file0001673731860 resized 600By now, you probably know that there are 4 sections on the ACT, and you're starting to put a study schedule together for them. But the more you start looking into the English section, the more daunting it becomes.

Don't worry about this section of the test! You'll be able to complete it just fine after studying and after you know exactly what it entails. Here's a brief rundown of the ACT English section rules so you can ease your worried mind and be fully prepared for the test.

Specifics to Expect

The ACT English test will contain 5 passages of text with questions after each, capping at a total of 75 questions. You'll have 45 minutes to complete them. This gives you about 30 seconds per question.

You'll be tested over usage/mechanics and rhetorical skills. Usage/mechanics will cover punctuation, grammar and usage, and sentence structure. Rhetorical skills will cover strategy, organization, and style.

The questions you'll be asked will not be labeled “usage/mechanics” or “rhetorical skills”; you'll simply be given these types of questions as you work through the 5 passages.

Rules/Instructions to Know

There aren't “real” ACT English rules other than the instructions that the test will provide you. These instructions are very long, and it's best to learn them before you go into the test so you don't lose time reading them and can use every spare minute on finishing the questions.

Here's what the instructions will look like:





Now that you know the ACT English section rules, your next step is to start studying and take a practice test so you're fully prepared for the real thing. Good luck!