ACT Reading Orientation

What is the main idea of a prose fiction passage?

• To provide factual information about a topic.

• To entertain and engage the reader with a story.

• To explain a scientific concept.

• To analyze a historical event.

Answer explanation

The main idea of prose fiction is to entertain and engage the reader with a story, using narrative techniques and character development, rather than providing factual information or explaining concepts.

In a social science passage, who is most likely involved?

• Characters in a fictional story.

• Scientists conducting experiments.

• Individuals or groups in society.

• Artists and their works.

Answer explanation

In social science, the focus is on individuals or groups in society, examining their behaviors, interactions, and structures. This makes 'Individuals or groups in society' the most relevant choice.

What is the author's purpose in a humanities passage?

• To present data and statistics.

• To explore cultural or philosophical ideas.

• To describe a natural phenomenon.

• To narrate a fictional story.

Answer explanation

The author's purpose in a humanities passage is primarily to explore cultural or philosophical ideas, as these subjects are central to the humanities, distinguishing them from data presentation or fictional storytelling.

How should you manage your time when reading a passage?

• Spend equal time on each sentence.

• Focus only on the first and last paragraphs.

• Allocate about 8–9 minutes per passage, including questions.

• Read as slowly as possible to understand every detail.

Answer explanation

Allocating about 8–9 minutes per passage, including questions, allows for a balanced approach to reading and comprehension, ensuring you have enough time to understand the content and answer the questions effectively.

What is the tone of a natural science passage likely to be?

• Humorous and light-hearted.

• Informative and objective.

• Emotional and subjective.

• Persuasive and argumentative.

Answer explanation

The tone of a natural science passage is typically informative and objective, focusing on facts and data rather than emotions or humor, which aligns with the purpose of conveying scientific knowledge.

Which skill is essential for identifying the main idea of a passage?

• Memorizing every detail.

• Active reading and engagement.

• Skimming through the text.

• Ignoring the author's tone.

Answer explanation

Active reading and engagement are crucial for grasping the main idea of a passage, as they involve critically analyzing the text rather than just memorizing details or skimming, which can lead to missing key concepts.

What is the author's purpose in a prose fiction passage?

• To argue a point.

• To entertain and tell a story.

• To provide scientific data.

• To analyze social trends.

Answer explanation

The author's purpose in prose fiction is primarily to entertain and tell a story, engaging readers through narrative and character development, rather than arguing a point, providing data, or analyzing trends.

In a social science passage, what is the tone likely to be?

• Playful and whimsical.

• Analytical and informative.

• Dramatic and suspenseful.

• Poetic and lyrical.

Answer explanation

In social science passages, the tone is typically analytical and informative, focusing on presenting data and insights rather than being playful, dramatic, or poetic. This aligns with the purpose of conveying knowledge and understanding.

What should you focus on to understand the author's tone?

• The length of the passage.

• The choice of words and style.

• The number of paragraphs.

• The presence of dialogue.

Answer explanation

To understand the author's tone, focus on the choice of words and style. These elements reveal the author's attitude and emotions, while the length of the passage, number of paragraphs, and presence of dialogue are less indicative of tone.

What is a key detail in a passage?

• A minor point that can be ignored.

• A fact or example that supports the main idea.

• A random piece of information.

• A personal opinion of the reader.

Answer explanation

A key detail in a passage is a fact or example that supports the main idea, making it essential for understanding the text. The other options either downplay importance or are irrelevant.