reading success on the act - pkwy.k12.mo.us · the reading test has 4 ... close attention to the...

READING SUCCESS ON THE ACT

Ene-Kaja Chippendale, Ph.D.Focus on Learning Center, Inc.11/10

Pacing: using time well

The Reading Test has 4 passages and 40 questions (35 minutes). The passages appear in the same order on all tests. Students have 8 minutes per passage to read and answer all of the questions. Students have NO time to waste.

There are 10questions for each passage

•Prose Fiction•Social Sciences•Humanities•Natural Science

If students want to earn a

21 Must answer 22/40correctly

Read2 passages, guess on 2

This gives you 16 minutes per passage

26 Must answer 27-28/40correctly

Read3 passages, guess on 1

This gives you 10-11 minutes per passage

31 Must answer 35/40correct Read4 passages, leave most difficult till

last.

Use your watch and divide the time evenlybetween the four passages.

How to set a goal score

Strategies for reading…

Preview the test quickly and pick one or two passages to omit or , if your goal score is over 26, leave till last.

Never automatically start with the first passage!

Math and science students start with Passage IV (question #31). It is usually

the most factual and direct text.

By omitting one passage, you will have11 minutes for the remaining three passages and you will feel less rushed. By omitting two passages, you will have 16 minutes left per passage.

Always answer every question!

On the omitted passage(s), answer all 10 questions using the same letter space.

Always answer every question!

Tip for guessing on the ACT!

RememberRemember

Skim the questions first, circling key words like “EXCEPT” and “NOT.”

Circle names and key words.

(Do NOT read the 4 answer choices.)Practice till you can complete the preview in

45 – 60 seconds.

Reading Strategies

Preview the test and look for passages with the shortest questions first. Always work to YOUR strengths.

14. Which of the following most accurately states the main idea of the fifth paragraph (lines 57-77)?

F. Studies conducted in the 1980s that establisheda connection between customer loyalty and employeeloyalty have since been challenged by investors

G. Company profitability is doomed as long ascorporate policies are conducive to a superficialtreatment of customers.

H. Company success is linked to practices thatacknowledge the complex relationships among customers, employees, and investors.

J. As a result of the complexity of the loyalty issue inbusiness, an increasing number of companies are hiring consultants to devise profit strategies.

5. It is implied in the eighth paragraph (lines 39-59) that Lil applies Gordon’s theories about people’s appearances in spite of her:

A. conscience.B. children.C. parents.D. education.

Preview the questions in each passage and find the passage withshorter questions/answers. Do this passage first.

If they all seem the same, go with your strengths; choose your bestsubject.

Takes lots of time to read

Takes less time

to read

BIG TIP!Mark all line references in the passage

before you begin reading

You won’t have to keep switching back and forth between the text and the question to find

the answers

This is a HUGE timesaver.

If you have direct line reference questions

#29. “The author uses the term “architectural wonders” (line 12) to describe:”

mark 29 by line 12 in the text.

Mark all line references so you know before you start reading where you will find some answers.One ACT test gives direct line references for

7 of the 10 questions!

14. The author indicates that the common factor in the events and periods listed in lines 50 - 54 is that they:

– Draw a reference line by the paragraph line numbers addressed in the question.

– Write the number of the question by the reference line.

• On the Social Science, Humanities, and Sciencetexts pay close attention to the FIRST and LAST sentence in each paragraph.

• Circle contrast words such as however, therefore,and but, and contrast phrases such as ‘ in spite of,’ ‘on the other hand,’ ‘nevertheless,’ ‘even though’NEVER ignore these words/phrases because they signal a shift in meaning from the firstpart of the sentence/paragraph/passage.

Eleanor Roosevelt (ER) is the most controversial First Lady in United States history. Her journey to greatness, her voyage out beyond the confines of good wife and devoted mother, involved determination and amazing courage. Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) admired his wife, appreciated her strengths, and depended on her integrity.

However, ER and FDR had different priorities, occasionally competing goals, and often disagreed. In the White House they ran two distinct and separate courts.(ACT 61C)

29. According to the passage, the piano was better suited than the harpsichord to:

F. solo performances.G. drawing room concerts. H. delicate cabinetry.J. church music

CROSS OFF incorrectanswer choices as you eliminate them.

You don’t want to waste time re-reading them.

BIG TIP!

Circle the correct answers in your test booklet and transfer them to the answer sheet in groups of 10 (passage by passage).

EXAMPLECircle the answers in the test booklet and transfer

them to the answer sheet in groups of 10(in other words, passage by passage).

Passage II

TRAPS on the READING TEST

1. BE VERY CAREFUL OF answer choices that use EXACT WORDINGfrom the passage. They are usually incorrect because the question presents the information differently from the text. Most correct answers are paraphrasesof the text. In other words, they say the same thing using different words.

Example of “same wording”but different contexts (p. 97)

TEXT: She brought her network of agitators and activists into theWhite House, and never considered a political setback apermanent defeat. She enjoyed the game, and weathered the abuse. (ACT-61C, lines 90-94)

Question #16: According to the last paragraph, which of thefollowing statements would the author most likely make with regard to ER’s vision and ideals?

IncorrectAnswer:

F. ER considered politics a gameand played only when she knew she could win.

B. Most correct answers are paraphrases of the text

Text: Her abiding conviction, however, was that nothinggood would happen to promote the people’s interest unless the people themselves organize to demand governmentresponses .

Correct answer: based on widespread citizen participation

C. Words such as always, never, all, completely, totally, only, every, absolutely signal a trap because they make a statement for which there can be no exceptions and are therefore wrong.

REMEMBER: If a single word in the answer is wrong,the entire answer is wrong and can be crossed off!

Recognize the types of questions on the test.

Specific (what the text says).

General (main idea or inference questions) or what the text means.

SPECIFIC (what the text says)

The passage states…

The passage indicates….

The house is located on…..

Literal Level Questions (what the text says)

Text: To retrace this story in an age when a network of satellites can nail down a ship’s position within a few feet in just a moment–is to see the globe anew.

30. The passage indicates that instruments for determining longitude now include:

F. modified pendulum clocksG. satellitesH. a network of shipsJ. barometers

Text: To retrace this story in an age when a network of satellites can nail down a ship’s position within a few feet in just a moment–is to see the globe anew.

30. The passage indicates that instruments for determining longitude now include:

F. modified pendulum clocksG. satellitesH. a network of shipsJ. barometers

General - main idea or inferential questions

What the text means

•Most likely to•Best be described•Suggests•It can be inferred

Inferential Questions (what the text means).

On context cue questions, be careful of the mostobvious answer.

(From a text about preserving the ecological balance in national parks)

As it is used in line 65, the word “complement” most nearly means:

H. flattering remarkI. equal costJ. selectionK. safe number

(In a text about preserving the ecological balance in national parks)

As it is used in line 65, the word “complement” most nearly means:

H. flattering remark (compliment)I. equal costJ. selectionK. safe number

Text: Those limestone skeletons–both those that still contain living coral and those that stand derelict–form the main structural matrix of coral reefs.

2. As it is used in line 66, the word “derelict” most nearly means:A. void of living organismsB. without a sense of dutyC. without a real purposeD. isolated from the main structure

Text: Those limestone skeletons–both those that still contain living coral and those that stand derelict–form the main structural matrix of coral reefs.

2. As it is used in line 66, the word “derelict” most nearly means:

A. void of living organismsB. without a sense of dutyC. without a real purpose

D. isolated from the main structure

3. The text reads: “A Canadian ethnobotanist is now scrutinizing the sun dance ceremony and other Blackfoot traditions in search of clues to the prairie turnip’s role in daily tribal life. So far, she says, the findings suggest that this lowly legume earned its sacred status by serving as a nutritional staple.

It can be inferred that the word lowly , as it is used above, primarily refers to the prairie turnip’s:

A. overwhelming abundance.B. subpar nutritional qualities.C. humble or commonplace appearance.D. economical value as a food crop.(Are you looking for a + or - answer?)

3. The text reads: “A Canadian ethnobotanist is now scrutinizing the sun dance ceremony and other Blackfoot traditions in search of clues to the prairie turnip’s role in daily tribal life. So far, she says, the findings suggest that this lowly legume earned its sacred status by serving as a nutritional staple.

It can be inferred the word lowly , as it is used above, primarily refers to the prairie turnip’s:

A. overwhelming abundance.B. subpar nutritional qualities.C. humble or commonplace

appearance.D. economical value as a food

crop.

Paraphrasing is where the text and question use different words that mean the same thing.

Text: Olga’s short and delicate--like she’dbreak if you held her arm too tight. She wouldn’t break, though. (ACT-65D, 2008)

The narrator’s statement “She wouldn’t break, though” most nearly means that in the narrator’s opinion, Olgais:

H. stronger than she appears to be

Text: But when I came up to him and blurted out: “You’re Eugene. Right?” He smiled, pushed his glasses up on his nose, and nodded. I saw then that he was blushing deeply. Eugene liked me, but he was shy. I did most of the talking that day.

6. According to the narrator, which of the following statements was true about Eugene at the moment when she first talked to him?

J. He had apparently taken notice of the narrator at school and had come to like her but felt nervous about introducing himself.

Our parents decided when Becky was very

young that she didn’t belong in an institution, but with us.

I believe that being raised with myself and a brother, both older,

and one younger sister was good for Becky; I know it was good

for me. Very early on, I had to learn to respect Becky’s

intelligence, although it was very different from mine. I came

to respect her tenacity.

29. The sixth paragraph (lines 47-53) reveals that the narrator is:

A. thoughtful, naïve, and nostalgic

B. secure, affectionate, and ironic

C. open-minded, accepting, and grateful

D. aware, respectful, and tenacious

READ questions first

Circle key words

Mark line references in margins

Cross off incorrect answers

#11. As she is revealed in the passage, ER is best described as:

A. socially controversial but quietly cooperative

B. politically courageous and socially concerned.

C. morally strong and

#11. As she is revealed in the passage, ER is best described as:

A. socially controversial but quietly cooperative

B. politically courageous and socially concerned.

C. morally strong and deeply traditional.

D. personally driven but calmly moderate.

F. brought politically unpopular views to the forefront of the nation’s politics.

G. was the first public figure to introduce political roles for women.

H. was a political pioneer struggling alone for social reform.

J. replaced community action with more powerful White House networks.

#12 The author presents ER’s accomplishmentsas exceptional because ER:

#13 According to the passage, ER believed that social reform should include all of the following EXCEPT:

A. promoting community action.B. developing universal education.C. supporting affordable housing.D. establishing involved theories.

Which answer choice is odd man out?

#14. Based on the passage, ER’s approach to social reform can bestbe characterized as:

F. passionate and theoretical.G. patient and flexible.H. simplistic and isolationist.J. progressive determined

#15 It can reasonably be inferred from the passage that at the time ER began working for social reform,

the United States was:

A. deeply committed to reforms ineducation and health care.

B. experiencing a time of national prosperity thatcontributed to ER’s ideals concerning thepublic welfare.

C. concentrating on affairs at home due toisolationist policies and the spread of democracy overseas.

D. unsupportive of the idea that the governmentwas responsible for the welfare of its poor andneglected.

#16 According to the last paragraph, which of the following statements would the author most likely make with regard to ER’s vision and ideals?

F. ER considered politics a game and played only when she knew she could win

G. ER worked with agitators and remained dedicated to the pursuit of justice and

peace in victory and defeat . (Example of paraphrase)

H. ER placed herself in the position of president , makingdecisions that determined White House policy.

J. ER saw herself as the country’s role model and personally responsible for bringing about change.

#17 In terms of the passage as a whole, one of the main functions of the third paragraph (lines 13 – 19) is to suggest that:

A. ER’s successes in various professional pursuits helped prepare her to take action in the political world.

B. ER had avoided the political spotlight in her personal pursuits.

C. ER had competing an conflicting interests during her first year as first lady.

D. while ER had many personal accomplishments, little could have prepared her for life as the first lady.

#18. According to the passage, the primary principle underlying ER’s goals was that:

F. every person deserved a dignified and decent life.

G. as first lady, she could talk about things that had never been discussed before.

H. through radio and columns, she could show she was interested in every person.

J. she must lead a bloodless American revolution.

#18. According to the passage, the primary principle underlying ER’s goals was that:

F. every person deserved a dignified and decent life.

G. as first lady, she could talk about things that had never been discussed before. (is this principle?)

H. through radio and columns, she could show she was interested in every person. (principle?)

J. she must lead a bloodless American revolution. (principle?)

#19. The passage states that ER believed the

relationship between a people and their government should be:

A. begun and carried out as if it were an isolated, individualist adventure.

B. formed and modeled by the White House.

C. based on organized, widespread citizen participation.

D. controlled through radio broadcasts and formal channels.

#19. The passage states that ER believed the

relationship between a people and their governmentshould be:

A. begun and carried out as if it were an isolated, individualist adventure.

B. formed and modeled by the White House.

C. based on organized, widespread citizen participation.

D. controlled through radio broadcasts and formal channels.

#20. In the context of the passage, the author’s statement that ER “ enjoyed the game, and weathered the abuse” (line 93) most nearly means that ER:

F. enjoyed her individualist adventure in politics even if criticized.

G. preferred to be a team player rather than take the lead.

H. embraced the political life and accepted criticism as part of her work.

J. understood political games and so did nottake politics or criticism very seriously.

#20. In the context of the passage, the author’s statement that ER “enjoyed the game, and weathered the abuse” (line 93) most nearly means that ER:

F. enjoyed her individualist adventure in politics even if criticized.

G. preferred to be a team player rather than take the lead.

H. embraced the political life and accepted criticism as part of her work.

J. understood political games and so did nottake politics or criticism very seriously.

Summary of Reading Strategies

• Set goal score• 21 Read 2, guess on 2 passages• 26 Read 3, guess on 1• 27+Read all 4, but leave most difficult till last

• Skim questions, circling/underlining key words• Mark line references in text• Cross off incorrect answers• Fill in every bubble; transfer answers in groups of 10

Read text, skimming wheneverPossible

Mark ALL answers on the answer sheet.DO NOT leave any blank.

Wear an analog watch andset it to

HIGH NOON

GOOD LUCK!GOOD LUCK!

reading success on the act - pkwy.k12.mo.us · the reading test has 4 ... close attention to the...

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