The ACT Test: Format, Timing & Question Types - StudyPoint

The ACT is a college entrance exam that many colleges and universities in the United States use as part of the college admissions process. Looking for basic information about the ACT test format? We've got it!

ACT Basics

The ACT is a standardized test that measures a student's skills in five core areas: English, math, reading, science, and writing (optional). Students in grades 11 and 12 take the ACT so that they can submit their scores to colleges as part of the college application process.

ACT Format

The ACT is composed of four multiple-choice sections-English, Math, Reading, and Science-and one optional essay section-Writing. Total testing time is 2 hours and 55 minutes for the ACT without Writing and 3 hours and 35 minutes for the ACT with Writing. The breakdown of each section is as follows:

Section	# of Questions & Time Limit	Content/Skills Covered	Question Types
English	75 questions in 45 min.	grammar & usage, punctuation, sentence structure, strategy, organization, and style	four-choice, multiple-choice usage/mechanics and rhetorical skills questions
Math	60 questions in 60 min.	pre-algebra, elementary algebra, intermediate algebra, coordinate geometry, plane geometry, and trigonometry	five-choice, multiple-choice questions
Reading	40 questions in 35 min.	reading comprehension of what is directly stated or implied	four-choice, multiple-choice referring and reasoning questions
Science	40 questions in 35 min.	interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem solving	four-choice, multiple-choice data representation, research summaries, and conflicting viewpoints questions
Writing (optional)	1 essay in 40 min.	writing skills	essay prompt

Related Topics

• For more specific information about the ACT English section, visit our ACT English page.
• For more specific information about the ACT Writing section, visit our ACT Writing page.

Share This Information:

StudyPoint is a national leader in one-to-one, in-home test prep and academic tutoring. The test-taking techniques and strategies taught in our SAT tutoring and ACT tutoring programs enable students to earn higher test scores and gain admission to competitive colleges and universities. Our expert subject tutors and personalized lesson plans help students earn better grades and become happier, more confident students. Whether you're looking for a math tutor, or any other type of academic tutoring, StudyPoint can help. To learn about tutoring programs in your area, feel free to contact us for more information.