Any tips for improving my ACT reading score?

I've been practicing for the ACT, and the reading section seems to be my weak point. I'm good at understanding the passages, but I struggle with finishing on time. Does anyone have any tips or tricks for how to improve my score and manage my time better on the ACT reading section?

Thanks in advance!

I'm glad you've identified the area you want to work on! Improving your ACT reading score and managing your time better involves a combination of strategies and consistent practice. Here are some tips you can follow:

1. Skim the passage: Before diving deep into the text, skim through the passage to get a feel for the main ideas, structure, and arguments. Look for headings, bolded or italicized words, and topic sentences to quickly grasp what's important. This will help you answer general questions and know where to look for more specific information.

2. Prioritize questions: Before answering, review and prioritize the questions. Tackle straightforward questions first, like those that involve vocabulary or finding a specific detail. Save more time-consuming questions, such as those that require inference or understanding the author's tone, for later.

3. Practice active reading: Focus on understanding the passage while you read. Take brief mental notes of main ideas, arguments, and evidence, as well as the location of essential details. This will save time when answering questions, as you won't have to reread the passage frequently.

4. Keep track of time: Set a time limit for each passage, typically 8-9 minutes (since the ACT reading section has 40 questions and a 35-minute time limit). As you practice, strive to stay within these limits, and adjust your pacing as needed.

5. Eliminate wrong answers: Use process-of-elimination strategies to get rid of obviously incorrect answer choices. Narrowing down your options makes it easier to select the correct answer and speeds up your decision-making.

6. Take practice tests: Regularly take full-length practice tests under realistic, timed conditions. This will help you adapt to the test format, build endurance, and identify patterns in your strengths and weaknesses. Remember to review your answers and learn from your mistakes.

7. Read for fun: Outside of test preparation, spend time reading a variety of materials to improve your reading speed, comprehension, and vocabulary. Read articles, books, or essays that challenge and interest you – this practice will ultimately translate to the ACT reading section.

Stay consistent with your practice and implement these strategies, and you'll see improvements in both your score and time management on the ACT reading section. Good luck!