The Official ACT Prep Guide, 2016-2017
Published on 31. May 2016
Book
Paperback/Softback
720 pages
978-1-119-22541-6 (ISBN)
Description
Everything you need to know about the 2016-2017 ACT test, with real full-length practice tests from the makers of the ACT!
The Official ACT Prep Guide 2016-2017 is the bestselling resource for students gearing up for the ACT test. This comprehensive guide walks you through the entire test experience, from registration through results, with expert advice straight from the test's creators. You'll find effective test-taking strategies, tips for boosting your score on the English, math, reading, and science tests, and detailed information on the enhanced optional writing test. Three new full-length practice tests help you assess your readiness so you can spot weak areas well in advance, and the ACT experts provide valuable advice on preparing both mentally and physically so you can manage anxiety and be fully confident on test day. You also get free online bonus content to help you start college on the right foot, including tips for preparing an application that gets noticed, getting into your first-choice school, being a successful student, and much more.
The 2016-2017 version of the ACT guide includes a number of changes, including reading test sections with two shorter prose passages and the enhanced writing test's prompts. This guide provides a preview of what to expect for the entire exam, so you can go into the test feeling fully prepared and ready to excel.
* Get insider tips and strategies from the exam's creators
* Improve your score in all five content areas, including the optional writing test
* Practice with full-length test forms taken from the actual ACT
* Gear up for college with bonus online advice for a successful first year
The ACT is different from other standardized tests. It tests your accumulated skills and knowledge, so sheer memorization and vocabulary lists are unproductive prep strategies. For preparation strategies that actually make a difference in your score--and beyond--go straight to the source with The Official ACT Prep Guide 2016-2017.
The Official ACT Prep Guide 2016-2017 is the bestselling resource for students gearing up for the ACT test. This comprehensive guide walks you through the entire test experience, from registration through results, with expert advice straight from the test's creators. You'll find effective test-taking strategies, tips for boosting your score on the English, math, reading, and science tests, and detailed information on the enhanced optional writing test. Three new full-length practice tests help you assess your readiness so you can spot weak areas well in advance, and the ACT experts provide valuable advice on preparing both mentally and physically so you can manage anxiety and be fully confident on test day. You also get free online bonus content to help you start college on the right foot, including tips for preparing an application that gets noticed, getting into your first-choice school, being a successful student, and much more.
The 2016-2017 version of the ACT guide includes a number of changes, including reading test sections with two shorter prose passages and the enhanced writing test's prompts. This guide provides a preview of what to expect for the entire exam, so you can go into the test feeling fully prepared and ready to excel.
* Get insider tips and strategies from the exam's creators
* Improve your score in all five content areas, including the optional writing test
* Practice with full-length test forms taken from the actual ACT
* Gear up for college with bonus online advice for a successful first year
The ACT is different from other standardized tests. It tests your accumulated skills and knowledge, so sheer memorization and vocabulary lists are unproductive prep strategies. For preparation strategies that actually make a difference in your score--and beyond--go straight to the source with The Official ACT Prep Guide 2016-2017.
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Content
Preface xi
How This Book Is Arranged xii
Before You Begin xii
Part One: Getting Acquainted with the ACT Test 1
Chapter 1: About the ACT 3
Description of the ACT 4
English Test 4
Mathematics Test 6
Reading Test 13
Science Test 15
Writing Test (Optional) 18
ACT Test Formats: Paper and Online 20
Using a Calculator 20
Taking the Test 21
Summary 22
Chapter 2: Preparation, Skills, and Strategies 23
Mental Preparation 24
Identify Strengths and Address Areas of Improvement 24
Develop a Positive Mental Attitude 25
Keep the Test in Perspective 25
General Test-Taking Strategies and Skills 26
Remain Calm 26
Pace Yourself 26
Know the Directions Ahead of Time 27
Read Carefully and Thoroughly 27
Choose Strategies for Answering Easier and More Difficult
Questions 28
Use Logic on More Difficult Questions 29
Choose a Strategy for Guessing on Multiple-Choice Questions 29
Choose a Strategy for Changing Answers 29
Write Notes in Your Test Booklet 30
Mark Your Answers Carefully 30
Plan to Check Your Answers 30
Learn Strategies for Specific Tests 31
Summary 31
Part Two: Taking and Evaluating Your First Practice Test 33
Chapter 3: Taking and Scoring Your First ACT Practice Test 35
Simulating Testing Conditions 35
Scoring Your Practice Test 96
Scoring Your Multiple-Choice Practice Tests 97
Scoring Your Practice Writing Test Essay 103
Reviewing Explanatory Answers 108
Chapter 4: Identifying Areas for Improvement 183
Reviewing Your Overall Performance 184
Highlighting Strengths and Areas for Improvement on the English Test 184
Test-Taking Skills 185
Highlighting Strengths and Areas for Improvement on the Mathematics Test 187
Math Subject Areas 187
Test-Taking Errors 187
Highlighting Strengths and Areas for Improvement on the Reading Test 188
Types of Reading Passages 189
Reading Skills Tested 189
Test-Taking Errors 190
Highlighting Strengths and Areas for Improvement on the Science Test 191
Subject Matter 191
Types of Science Questions 192
Common Science Test-Taking Errors 192
Highlighting Strengths and Areas for Improvement on the Writing Test 193
Writing Skills Tested 193
Writing Strategy or Process Errors 194
Part Three: Improving Your Score 195
Chapter 5: Improving Your English Score 197
Content of the ACT English Test 197
Types of Questions on the ACT English Test 198
Strategies for Taking the ACT English Test 207
Chapter 6: Improving Your Math Score 222
Content of the ACT Mathematics Test 223
Types of Questions on the ACT Mathematics Test 224
Basic Math Problems 224
Basic Math Problems in Settings 227
Very Challenging Problems 232
Question Sets 239
Strategies for Taking the ACT Mathematics Test 242
Pace Yourself 242
Answer All Questions 243
Answer All the Easy Questions First, Then Go Back to Answer the Hard Ones 243
Read Each Problem Carefully 243
Look for Information in the Answer Choices 243
Use Illustrations Wisely and Whenever You Can 244
Use Your Calculator Wisely 244
Think! 244
Show Your Work 245
Check Your Answers 245
Chapter 7: Improving Your Reading Score 246
Content of the ACT Reading Test 246
Types of Passages on the ACT Reading Test 247
Prose Fiction 247
Humanities 247
Social Studies 248
Natural Sciences 248
Types of Questions on the ACT Reading Test 248
Representative ACT Reading Test Questions 249
Strategies for Taking the ACT Reading Test 259
Pace Yourself 259
Use the Time Allotted 259
Think of an Overall Strategy That Works for You 260
Keep the Passage as a Whole in Mind 260
Find a Strategy for Approaching Each Question 260
Reading Strategies Summary 261
Chapter 8: Improving Your Science Score 269
Content of the ACT Science Test 269
Format of the ACT Science Test 270
Data Representation Format 271
Discussion of Sample Passage I (Data Representation) 272
Research Summaries Format 275
Discussion of Sample Passage II (Research Summaries) 277
Conflicting Viewpoints Format 279
Discussion of Sample Passage III (Conflicting Viewpoints) 281
Strategies for Taking the ACT Science Test 284
Develop a Problem-Solving Method 284
Take Notes 285
Pace Yourself 285
Practice Interpreting Graphs, Tables, and Diagrams 285
Make the Most of the Information in Graphs 286
Make the Most of the Information in Tables 288
Develop an Understanding of Scientific Investigations 288
Carefully Analyze Conflicting Viewpoints 288
Chapter 9: Improving Your Score on the Optional Writing Test 289
Content of the ACT Writing Test 290
How Your Essay Will Be Scored 290
Sample Prompt and Essays 290
Sample ACT Writing Test Prompt 291
Sample Essay Responses 293
Strategies for Taking the ACT Writing Test 317
Prewrite 317
Write 317
Review Your Essay 318
Practice 318
Part Four: Taking Additional Practice Tests 319
Chapter 10: Taking Additional Practice Tests 321
Explanatory Answers 379
Explanatory Answers 513
Chapter 11: Scoring the Additional Practice Tests 597
Scoring Your Practice Tests 598
Scoring Practice Test 2 599
Scoring the Multiple-Choice Tests 599
Scoring Your Practice Writing Test 2 Essay 605
Scoring Practice Test 3 608
Scoring the Multiple-Choice Tests 608
Scoring Your Practice Writing Test 3 Essay 613
Chapter 12: Interpreting Your ACT Test Scores and Ranks 615
Understanding Your ACT Test Results 616
How ACT Scores Your Multiple-Choice Tests 617
How ACT Scores Your Writing Test 617
Recognizing That Test Scores Are Estimates of Educational Achievement 617
Using Ranks to Interpret Your Scores 617
Comparing Your Test Scores to Each Other 618
Comparing Your Scores and Ranks to Your High School Grades 618
Comparing Your Scores to Those of Enrolled First-Year College Students 618
Using ACT College and Career Readiness Standards to Help You Understand Your ACT Scores 619
Planning Your Education and Career 621
Seeking Additional Information and Guidance 621
ACT College and Career Readiness Standards--English 622
Production of Writing 622
ACT College and Career Readiness Standards--Mathematics 629
ACT College and Career Readiness Standards--Reading 638
Text Complexity Rubric--Reading 645
ACT College and Career Readiness Standards--Science 652
Part Five: Moving Forward to Test Day 657
Chapter 13: Registering, Planning, and Packing for Test Day 659
National Testing Program versus School/District/State Testing 660
Registering for the ACT 660
Selecting a National Testing Date and Location 660
Selecting a Test Option 662
Registering 662
Registering Under Special Circumstances 663
Planning and Packing for Test Day 663
Getting to the Test Center 663
Dressing for Test Day 664
Packing for Test Day: What to Bring 664
Obtaining Additional Test Details 665
At the Test Center 665
Checking In 665
Following the Rules 666
Communicating with the Testing Staffff 667
Maintaining Your Composure and Energy 668
Voiding Your Answer Documents on Test Day 668
Testing More Than Once 669
How This Book Is Arranged xii
Before You Begin xii
Part One: Getting Acquainted with the ACT Test 1
Chapter 1: About the ACT 3
Description of the ACT 4
English Test 4
Mathematics Test 6
Reading Test 13
Science Test 15
Writing Test (Optional) 18
ACT Test Formats: Paper and Online 20
Using a Calculator 20
Taking the Test 21
Summary 22
Chapter 2: Preparation, Skills, and Strategies 23
Mental Preparation 24
Identify Strengths and Address Areas of Improvement 24
Develop a Positive Mental Attitude 25
Keep the Test in Perspective 25
General Test-Taking Strategies and Skills 26
Remain Calm 26
Pace Yourself 26
Know the Directions Ahead of Time 27
Read Carefully and Thoroughly 27
Choose Strategies for Answering Easier and More Difficult
Questions 28
Use Logic on More Difficult Questions 29
Choose a Strategy for Guessing on Multiple-Choice Questions 29
Choose a Strategy for Changing Answers 29
Write Notes in Your Test Booklet 30
Mark Your Answers Carefully 30
Plan to Check Your Answers 30
Learn Strategies for Specific Tests 31
Summary 31
Part Two: Taking and Evaluating Your First Practice Test 33
Chapter 3: Taking and Scoring Your First ACT Practice Test 35
Simulating Testing Conditions 35
Scoring Your Practice Test 96
Scoring Your Multiple-Choice Practice Tests 97
Scoring Your Practice Writing Test Essay 103
Reviewing Explanatory Answers 108
Chapter 4: Identifying Areas for Improvement 183
Reviewing Your Overall Performance 184
Highlighting Strengths and Areas for Improvement on the English Test 184
Test-Taking Skills 185
Highlighting Strengths and Areas for Improvement on the Mathematics Test 187
Math Subject Areas 187
Test-Taking Errors 187
Highlighting Strengths and Areas for Improvement on the Reading Test 188
Types of Reading Passages 189
Reading Skills Tested 189
Test-Taking Errors 190
Highlighting Strengths and Areas for Improvement on the Science Test 191
Subject Matter 191
Types of Science Questions 192
Common Science Test-Taking Errors 192
Highlighting Strengths and Areas for Improvement on the Writing Test 193
Writing Skills Tested 193
Writing Strategy or Process Errors 194
Part Three: Improving Your Score 195
Chapter 5: Improving Your English Score 197
Content of the ACT English Test 197
Types of Questions on the ACT English Test 198
Strategies for Taking the ACT English Test 207
Chapter 6: Improving Your Math Score 222
Content of the ACT Mathematics Test 223
Types of Questions on the ACT Mathematics Test 224
Basic Math Problems 224
Basic Math Problems in Settings 227
Very Challenging Problems 232
Question Sets 239
Strategies for Taking the ACT Mathematics Test 242
Pace Yourself 242
Answer All Questions 243
Answer All the Easy Questions First, Then Go Back to Answer the Hard Ones 243
Read Each Problem Carefully 243
Look for Information in the Answer Choices 243
Use Illustrations Wisely and Whenever You Can 244
Use Your Calculator Wisely 244
Think! 244
Show Your Work 245
Check Your Answers 245
Chapter 7: Improving Your Reading Score 246
Content of the ACT Reading Test 246
Types of Passages on the ACT Reading Test 247
Prose Fiction 247
Humanities 247
Social Studies 248
Natural Sciences 248
Types of Questions on the ACT Reading Test 248
Representative ACT Reading Test Questions 249
Strategies for Taking the ACT Reading Test 259
Pace Yourself 259
Use the Time Allotted 259
Think of an Overall Strategy That Works for You 260
Keep the Passage as a Whole in Mind 260
Find a Strategy for Approaching Each Question 260
Reading Strategies Summary 261
Chapter 8: Improving Your Science Score 269
Content of the ACT Science Test 269
Format of the ACT Science Test 270
Data Representation Format 271
Discussion of Sample Passage I (Data Representation) 272
Research Summaries Format 275
Discussion of Sample Passage II (Research Summaries) 277
Conflicting Viewpoints Format 279
Discussion of Sample Passage III (Conflicting Viewpoints) 281
Strategies for Taking the ACT Science Test 284
Develop a Problem-Solving Method 284
Take Notes 285
Pace Yourself 285
Practice Interpreting Graphs, Tables, and Diagrams 285
Make the Most of the Information in Graphs 286
Make the Most of the Information in Tables 288
Develop an Understanding of Scientific Investigations 288
Carefully Analyze Conflicting Viewpoints 288
Chapter 9: Improving Your Score on the Optional Writing Test 289
Content of the ACT Writing Test 290
How Your Essay Will Be Scored 290
Sample Prompt and Essays 290
Sample ACT Writing Test Prompt 291
Sample Essay Responses 293
Strategies for Taking the ACT Writing Test 317
Prewrite 317
Write 317
Review Your Essay 318
Practice 318
Part Four: Taking Additional Practice Tests 319
Chapter 10: Taking Additional Practice Tests 321
Explanatory Answers 379
Explanatory Answers 513
Chapter 11: Scoring the Additional Practice Tests 597
Scoring Your Practice Tests 598
Scoring Practice Test 2 599
Scoring the Multiple-Choice Tests 599
Scoring Your Practice Writing Test 2 Essay 605
Scoring Practice Test 3 608
Scoring the Multiple-Choice Tests 608
Scoring Your Practice Writing Test 3 Essay 613
Chapter 12: Interpreting Your ACT Test Scores and Ranks 615
Understanding Your ACT Test Results 616
How ACT Scores Your Multiple-Choice Tests 617
How ACT Scores Your Writing Test 617
Recognizing That Test Scores Are Estimates of Educational Achievement 617
Using Ranks to Interpret Your Scores 617
Comparing Your Test Scores to Each Other 618
Comparing Your Scores and Ranks to Your High School Grades 618
Comparing Your Scores to Those of Enrolled First-Year College Students 618
Using ACT College and Career Readiness Standards to Help You Understand Your ACT Scores 619
Planning Your Education and Career 621
Seeking Additional Information and Guidance 621
ACT College and Career Readiness Standards--English 622
Production of Writing 622
ACT College and Career Readiness Standards--Mathematics 629
ACT College and Career Readiness Standards--Reading 638
Text Complexity Rubric--Reading 645
ACT College and Career Readiness Standards--Science 652
Part Five: Moving Forward to Test Day 657
Chapter 13: Registering, Planning, and Packing for Test Day 659
National Testing Program versus School/District/State Testing 660
Registering for the ACT 660
Selecting a National Testing Date and Location 660
Selecting a Test Option 662
Registering 662
Registering Under Special Circumstances 663
Planning and Packing for Test Day 663
Getting to the Test Center 663
Dressing for Test Day 664
Packing for Test Day: What to Bring 664
Obtaining Additional Test Details 665
At the Test Center 665
Checking In 665
Following the Rules 666
Communicating with the Testing Staffff 667
Maintaining Your Composure and Energy 668
Voiding Your Answer Documents on Test Day 668
Testing More Than Once 669