ACT Preparation / Unit 23 ACT 2213 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
A Reading Passage Plan
The idea
A reading passage is worked in four steps. First, read the heading for the author, the source and any background. Second, read the whole passage, noting each paragraph's point in a word or two. Third, answer each question by returning to the lines it points to, never from memory alone. Fourth, for a paired passage, answer the questions about each passage before the questions about both.
In practice
Worked example: with about 50 seconds a question after reading, a passage of about 750 words might take five minutes to read and note, leaving the rest of its share of the section for its questions. Margin notes such as "cause," "objection" and "author's view" let you find the needed lines in seconds.
Where people slip
Skimming saves minutes and costs answers, because inference and structure questions depend on the whole passage.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Builds on
Unlocks
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