How Long is the Grammar Part of the ACT? | Test Section Timing

The ACT consists of four sections, officially requiring 2 hours and 55 minutes to complete, encompassing a total of 215 questions.

However, when factoring in the ten-minute break between the Math and Reading sections, along with additional time for initial paperwork, the overall testing duration extends to approximately three and a half hours.

The breakdown of individual section times is as follows: the English section lasts for 45 minutes, the Math section for 60 minutes, and both the Reading and Science sections for 35 minutes each.

For students opting to take the additional Writing section at the end, an extra 40 minutes are allotted, including a five-minute break following the Science section. This brings the total testing time for these individuals to a comprehensive duration of three and a half hours.

How Long is Each ACT Section?

English Section: In the English section, students are allotted a 45-minute timeframe to tackle 75 questions. This breaks down to an average of approximately 36 seconds per question.

Math Section: The Math section stands as the lengthiest, providing 60 minutes for the completion of 60 questions. Crossing the Math hurdle marks the halfway point in the exam and grants students a well-deserved ten-minute break.

Reading & Science Sections: For both the Reading and Science sections, students have 35 minutes to navigate through 40 questions. This translates to 52 seconds per question or just under nine minutes for each of the four Reading passages, and slightly less than six minutes for each of the six Science passages. These segments, particularly the Reading section, pose challenges for many students due to the demanding pace.

Regular practice is crucial to enhance your speed and develop a better understanding of the passage types and question formats you’ll encounter during the test.

What Time Does the ACT Begin?

For national ACT testing dates, the standard starting time is typically 8 am. Punctuality is crucial, as tardiness may result in denial of admission to the test. If you are testing at an unfamiliar location, it is advisable to arrive even earlier to ensure you can find parking, locate the testing room (and facilities), and settle in comfortably. Generally, students taking the ACT (without the writing section) conclude their exams around 12:35 pm, while those opting for the writing section usually finish around 1:35 pm. We strongly recommend arriving no later than 7:45 am.

Extended Time on the ACT

In 2018, the ACT implemented an updated policy allowing certain students with approved accommodations to receive extended time on the test. Students with this accommodation now receive a 50% time extension for each section of the ACT.

Previously, students had five hours to complete the test at their own pace. However, the current policy includes a strict time limit for each section, providing students with:

• 70 minutes for the English section
• 90 minutes for the Mathematics section
• 55 minutes for the Reading section
• 55 minutes for the Science section

For further information or to request accommodations, please refer to the ACT website.

How long is the English part of the ACT?

English: 75 questions, 45 minutes. This section assesses the ability to make decisions regarding the revision and editing of short texts and essays across various genres.

How long does the writing portion of the ACT take?

The ACT writing test is a 40-minute essay assessment designed to evaluate your writing skills. In this paper-and-pencil test, you will encounter a single writing prompt that delves into a complex issue, presenting three distinct perspectives on the matter. It’s important to note that the test is conducted using pencil and paper; mechanical pencils or ink pens are not allowed, with the exception being granted to approved students with diagnosed disabilities that prevent them from handwriting the essay (refer to Accommodations for details).

Complementing the English and reading tests, the ACT writing test, in conjunction with these multiple-choice assessments, provides valuable insights for postsecondary institutions. The combined results offer a comprehensive understanding of students’ grasp of the conventions of standard written English and their ability to produce a thoughtful writing sample. Importantly, the writing test is an integral part of the ACT and cannot be taken independently; it must be completed in the same session as the four multiple-choice tests.

In response to the prompt, you are tasked with crafting an essay that develops your perspective on the given issue. Your essay should include an analysis of the relationship between your viewpoint and one or more of the presented perspectives. Whether you align with a perspective from the prompt, either partially or fully, or generate your own standpoint, your score remains unaffected by the specific point of view you choose to adopt.

While some colleges may require the ACT writing test, the decision to take it should be based on the specific requirements of the institutions to which you are applying or considering for admission. It’s advisable to ascertain the preferences of the colleges in order to make an informed decision regarding the inclusion of the writing test in your ACT examination.

What is the highest ACT score?

The ACT boasts a maximum achievable score of 36, with the present national average settling at 19.5.

Determining what qualifies as a “good” ACT score is contingent upon the specific colleges and universities in your consideration set. A score of 23 on the ACT surpasses the current national average, positioning you as a formidable candidate for numerous universities. However, it’s essential to note that this score might lag behind the average of accepted students at more competitive institutions. Your ACT score significantly influences the array of opportunities available to you. Let’s delve deeper into the intricacies of ACT scores.

The ACT is meticulously scored across four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, each graded on a scale of 1–36. Every section contributes to your composite ACT score, which is essentially the average of your scores in the four sections.

For the high school classes spanning 2021 to 2023, the national average scores for each section are as follows:

• English: 19
• Math: 19.4
• Reading: 20.5
• Science: 20
• Composite: 19.9

These scores serve as benchmarks for understanding how your performance aligns with the national averages in each ACT section, providing valuable insights into your standing in the competitive landscape.

Do ACT scores take 10 days?

Usually, students can anticipate receiving their multiple-choice results within two weeks, averaging around 10 days. Subsequently, writing scores become accessible two weeks after that initial period. It’s important to note, though, that the ACT issues a cautionary statement mentioning that score releases might extend up to eight weeks following the test date.

The intricacies of equating, a procedure designed to ensure that scores from various tests accurately reflect the same level of proficiency, contribute to the timeline for October and February scores. In these instances, scores become available within a window of 3-8 weeks subsequent to the respective test dates. This variance underscores the meticulous process involved in evaluating and releasing the scores to ensure accuracy and reliability.