ACT Exam Pattern 2021 in Details
Table of Contents

Subjects |
Duration (minutes) |
Number of Question/Task |
Number of answer options |
Mathematics |
60 |
60 |
Multiple-choice questions with four or five choices |
Reading |
35 |
40 |
Multiple-choice referring and reasoning questions with four or five choices |
Science |
35 |
40 |
Four-choices for one question, multiple-choice data representation, research summaries, and conflicting viewpoints questions |
English |
45 |
75 |
Four-choice, multiple-choice usage/mechanics and rhetorical skills questions |
Writing (optional essay) |
40 |
1 |
One writing prompt |
ACT Exam Pattern Basics
ACT Length |
|
---|---|
ACT Sections |
|
Cost | The US without Writing: USD 50.50
The US with Writing: USD 67.00 Non-US without Writing: USD 150.00 Non-US with Writing: USD 166.50 |
Max. Score | 36 |
Avg. Score | 21 |
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ACT Exam Structure
Test | Number of questions | Time limit |
---|---|---|
English | 75 multiple-choice questions | 45 minutes |
Math | 60 multiple-choice questions | 60 minutes |
Break | ||
Reading | 40 multiple-choice questions | 35 minutes |
Science | 40 multiple-choice questions | 35 minutes |
Break | ||
Writing (optional)/ ACT Plus Writing | 1 essay | 40 minutes |
ACT Syllabus 2021
The ACT syllabus mainly focuses on the senior secondary level subject includes
English, Mathematics, Reading, Science, and Writing (optional)
ACT English Syllabus
The ACT English syllabus consists of passages that examine the rhetorical, structural, discursive, usage, and mechanics skills. Grammar, punctuation, and proper sentence formation are tested under usage and mechanics, whereas the rhetorical section shows how proficiently the candidate grasps the passage.
- Mechanics – 40 Questions
- punctuation(10 Questions)
- grammar and usage (12 Questions)
- sentence structure (18 Questions)
- Rhetorical Skills – 35 Questions
- strategy(12 Questions)
- organization(11 Questions)
- style(12 Questions)
- Management of Writing (28-32%)
- Language Expertise (14 – 20%)
- Conventions of Standard English (50 56%)
ACT Reading Syllabus
ACT reading syllabus focuses on different contexts of passages prose fiction, social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences and literary fiction.
Structure (26-30%): Main focuses on author intends to state, the keywords and it’s purpose.
Keyword integration and analysis (55-60%)
ACT Math Syllabus
- 4 trigonometry-based questions
- 14 Pre-algebra-based: Linear equations, substitution, simplifying expressions, inequalities, multiplying binomials and quadratic equations
- 9 Intermediate Algebra-based
- 14 Plane geometry-based: Graphing inequalities, distance and mid-points, number lines, slope calculation
- Elementary algebra-based: ratio and percentages, surface areas, median.
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