The ACT has four multiple-choice sections -- English, reading, mathematics and science reasoning -- plus an optional writing portion. Each section has its own set of instructions and time limits; test proctors strictly enforce these limits, so familiarizing yourself with the instructions well before testing day will save you valuable time. On the day of the test itself, you will already know the section directions, but you must still pay close attention to instructions within each group of questions. In the English portion, the test may call for you to choose a synonym or an antonym for an underlined word, so read carefully to ensure that you're making the correct choice.
One of the most efficient ways to improve your ACT performance is to become familiar with sample tests. Adhere closely to the time limits on each section; if you regularly give yourself a few extra minutes during your practice tests, you will miss those minutes when the proctor of the real examination tells you to put your pencil down. When you check your answers, try to determine the pattern to any wrong answers; finding your areas of weakness will help you pinpoint the subjects in which you need more study. Becoming used to the testing procedure will also lessen any test anxiety you might feel, contributing to a higher score on the actual exam.
The majority of the ACT is in multiple-choice format. If you eliminate even one wrong possibility from a list of five options, you will have boosted your chances of selecting the correct answer from 20 percent to 25 percent even if you choose it at random. Practice your deductive reasoning on sample tests and look for ways to weed out obviously wrong answers. For the English section, you might familiarize yourself with a list of commonly misspelled or misused words and look for these in the list of possible answers; a response that contains an "accept" where it should have an "except" can be crossed off instantly.
While you want to work quickly enough to stay within the test section's time limit, you must also answer every question if you want to earn your highest possible score. Omitting questions means you automatically start at a disadvantage in scoring; even if you answer every question correctly, you only receive scores based on the number of questions you answered. Work quickly through the test by answering the questions you find easy first and skipping difficult questions. When you reach the end of the section, go back and work on the more challenging questions.
Students who do not test as well as they can typically do so because of test anxiety. If you've ever had the feeling that the answers fly out of your head as soon as you're faced with a standardized test, you understand test anxiety. Aside from familiarizing yourself with the ACT to reduce anxiety on the day of the test, you can also practice relaxation techniques. Focus on keeping your breathing even and regular. Get plenty of sleep the night before the exam so you'll feel your best physically. Try yoga or jogging on the day of your test to burn excess energy and leave you more relaxed.