ACT Exam Syllabus Breakdown: What to Expect in 2024 and 2025

The ACT exam is a standardised test widely used for college admissions in the United States. It evaluates a student's readiness for higher education through sections on English, Math, Reading, and Science, with an optional Writing test.

Preparing for the ACT requires strategic planning and a solid ACT study guide. Focusing on areas like time management, subject knowledge, and test-taking strategies will significantly boost your chances of success.

For those looking to study abroad, AECC is an excellent resource to guide you through the ACT preparation process. With expert advice and tailored support, AECC ensures you are well-prepared for your journey ahead.

The ACT exam sections consist of the following:

• English: Focuses on grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills.
• Math: Tests algebra, geometry, and basic trigonometry knowledge.
• Reading: Measures comprehension and the ability to analyse written passages.
• Science: Evaluates critical thinking, problem-solving, and data analysis in scientific contexts.
• Writing (optional): Assesses writing skills, including analysis and evaluation of complex ideas

The ACT format is designed to evaluate a student's overall academic proficiency, helping colleges gauge their potential for success in higher education.

The ACT English section consists of 75 questions to be answered within 45 minutes. This section evaluates your understanding of grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills.

When tackling the ACT English syllabus, it’s essential to consider the writing style used in each passage. Some questions will require you to focus on specific writing elements, such as tone, emphasis, or clarity. Additionally, there will be questions without underlined portions, where you'll need to analyse a section or the passage as a whole.

Grammar and Usage:

• Focuses on grammar rules like subject-verb agreement, pronoun usage, and verb tense consistency.
• You’ll be asked to identify and correct errors in word choice or sentence construction.
  • Review key grammar rules in the ACT English syllabus.
  • Practice identifying common grammar mistakes.
  • Use AECC resources and partners for targeted grammar exercises.

Sentence Structure and Punctuation

• Assesses your ability to construct clear sentences and use punctuation effectively.
• Questions may involve correcting sentence fragments, run-ons, and choosing the right punctuation.
• Study punctuation rules and sentence structures outlined in the ACT English syllabus.
• Focus on common sentence construction errors.
• Practice with AECC’s resources and partner materials to improve sentence clarity.

To prepare effectively, carefully examine each answer choice and understand how it differs from the others. Many questions involve multiple aspects of writing, so ensure you assess all the answer options before selecting the one that best fits.

The ACT Math section consists of 60 questions to be completed in 60 minutes. It tests a range of mathematical skills, including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. To succeed, it's important to be familiar with the ACT math syllabus and understand the core concepts that are regularly tested.

Algebra and Functions

• Focuses on solving linear equations, inequalities, and systems of equations.
• Test your understanding of functions, including linear, quadratic, and exponential functions.
• ACT Math syllabus emphasises manipulating algebraic expressions and solving real-world problems.
• Prepare by practising operations with polynomials, factoring, and solving word problems.
• Use an ACT study guide to review key algebraic concepts and practice problem-solving strategies.

Geometry and Trigonometry

• Includes questions on basic geometric shapes, angles, area, and volume calculations.
• ACT Math syllabus covers concepts of coordinate geometry, including slope and distance.
• Trigonometry questions focus on applying sine, cosine, and tangent functions.
• Practice solving problems involving right triangles, circles, and the Pythagorean theorem.
• Use an ACT preparation guide to review geometry formulas and trigonometric identities.

The ACT Reading section consists of 40 questions to be completed in 35 minutes. It includes four passages, each followed by a set of ACT passage-based questions. Your goal is to understand the main ideas, tone, and purpose of the passages, as well as identify key details.

When answering ACT passage-based questions, read the passage carefully and refer back to it when needed. Some questions focus on specific details, while others assess the overall theme or tone. Review all answers thoroughly, as some may seem similar.

To succeed in the ACT Reading section, practice reading different texts and answering related questions.

The ACT Science section consists of 40 questions to be answered in 35 minutes. It evaluates your ability to interpret data, analyse experiments, and apply scientific reasoning. The section includes passages with tables, graphs, and conflicting viewpoints, testing how well you can conclude from scientific information.

When approaching ACT science reasoning questions, carefully read each passage and examine the provided data. Focus on identifying patterns, relationships, and trends in the visuals. For conflicting viewpoints, critically compare the perspectives to identify key differences and underlying assumptions.

• Focuses on interpreting graphs, charts, and tables presented in scientific passages.
• Tests your ability to analyse trends, relationships, and patterns in visual data.
• ACT data interpretation requires identifying variables and understanding experimental setups.
• Practice ACT graph analysis by analysing different types of visual data, such as scatter plots and bar graphs.
• Use ACT test strategies, like reading questions first to quickly identify relevant data points.

• Involves comparing and contrasting differing scientific hypotheses or theories presented in a passage.
• Tests your ability to evaluate arguments and identify assumptions, strengths, and weaknesses.
• ACT data interpretation skills are key to understanding evidence supporting each viewpoint.
• Focus on ACT graph analysis to assess data supporting or refuting the perspectives.
• Apply ACT test strategies by summarising each viewpoint and noting critical differences before answering questions.

The ACT Writing section requires you to write a unified, coherent essay on a given topic, such as the growing presence of intelligent machines. This task evaluates your ability to analyse perspectives, present your view, and structure a logical argument. You’ll need to integrate reasoning and examples to support your stance while addressing at least one other perspective from the prompt.

To excel, organise your essay into a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Use ACT passage-based questions to help frame your analysis and make logical comparisons. Ensure your ideas flow logically, supported by relevant examples and reasoning.

The ACT exam syllabus equips you with the essential skills required to excel in academic and real-world settings. By mastering its diverse sections, you can significantly enhance your readiness for university admissions and future success. Understanding the syllabus and preparing strategically is key to achieving a strong ACT score and opening doors to global opportunities.

Unlock your potential with AECC’s expert guidance! From personalised ACT preparation resources to study abroad counselling, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Contact AECC today to start achieving your academic dreams!