The ACT includes the following ACT sections: English, Reading, and Math, as well as an optional Science Test and Writing Test. Some schools may require the Science Test or Writing Test, so be sure to ask before you register for the ACT. There are a total of 131 multiple-choice questions on the ACT test, not including Science. 

Overview of ACT Test Sections

English
  • 50 multiple–choice questions
  • 35 minutes
  • Tests grammar, punctuation, sentence structure and rhetorical skills
  • Learn more about the ACT English Test
Math
  • 45 multiple–choice questions
  • 50 minutes
  • Algebra I and II, geometry, and some trigonometry
  • Learn more about the ACT Math Test
Reading
  • 36 multiple–choice questions
  • 40 minutes
  • Four passages (prose fiction, social studies, humanities, and natural sciences) with 10 questions per passage
  • Learn more about the ACT Reading Test
Science
  • Science test is optional *
  • 40 multiple–choice questions
  • 40 minutes
  • Questions on science-based passages presented with graphs, charts, tables and research summaries
  • Learn more about the ACT Science Test

* We recommend taking the ACT Science Test because some schools require it. Students planning to major in science or a STEM field should also take the Science Test.

 Writing
  • Writing test is optional *
  • 1 essay
  • 40 minutes
  • Learn more about the ACT Essay

* We recommend taking the ACT Writing Test because some schools require it.

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