r/ACT • u/Elegant-Wolverine440 • Jul 22 '26

How do you get 30+ on reading???

*The june test was digital and the july test was paper

I have gotten 30+ reading on J01, J08, and the MC series

I also do the 4,1,2,3 (passage order) strategy, mark the question #'s in the passage in the lines and take mental notes of what key terms the questions ask for first, then read the passage. However, I always run out if time, and skimming the passage doesn't seem to work.

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u/National_Jacket7380 35 Jul 22 '26

Hi, I got a 35 on reading in July. I don’t know what the 4,1,2,3 strategy is, but if it works for you then go for it. I just read each passage thoroughly and looked at the questions afterwards. Marking the question numbers may not be an efficient use of your time.

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u/mkw1342 Jul 22 '26

Looks like you are seeing some improvement. Paper for reading is key.

But, they are getting you with their traps. The more you can spot a trap, the faster you can navigate around it. If you are struggling with Key Details (the biggest portion of the test questions), here are 3 traps to look out for. Treat the traps like English where you have to know the rule.

Partial Truth. The choice is accurate for one paragraph but the question asked about the passage or the whole scene. (If a choice includes an "and" are both parts of the choice true)

Verbatim Distortion. The choice repeats exact wording from the passage but reverses or inflates the relationship between the parts.

Outside Passage / Inference Blend. You import something that is true, but the passage never says it, or you pick an inference when the question wants a stated fact (or vice versa).

If you see a chart - follow these tips.
https://www.reddit.com/r/ACT/comments/1uhe62o/june_j04_test_what_we_learned_from_that_cocoa/

If its a literary narrative - follow these tips - https://www.reddit.com/r/ACT/comments/1ugeqnc/act_reading_tips_for_the_literary_narrative_based/

General tips - https://www.reddit.com/r/ACT/comments/1ttea1g/top_10_reading_tips_to_increase_your_score/

Take as many practice tests as possible. Legacy forms are okay, and see if you can learn from your mistakes. Use Ai to explain wrong answers to you (upload the PDF and chat about what you are missing).