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The Math Section‐ ACT

The Math section of the ACT is composed of 60 questions which you will have 60 minutes to complete. It is meant to test the skills you acquired during your grade school and early high school years. It will include questions pertaining to algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. You should prepare for all sections, but the exam will stress beginner and intermediate algebra skill. Below are questions that resemble those you may find on the test. Remember that you may use your calculator to solve them. Solve the following problems and choose the correct answer. 1. Which of the following is equal to (x)(x)(y)(y) for all x and y? A. x2y2

B. 4xy C. 2x2 2y2

D. 2xy E. 2x 2y

2. 5 * 2‐10 = A. 10‐10 B. C. D. – 100 E. 100 3. The graph of a circle on a standard (x, y) coordinate plane is (x + 7)2 + (y – 8)2= 25 What is the circumference of the circle? A. 7 ∏

B. 25 ∏

C. 10 ∏

-5 1,024

5 1,024


D. 5 ∏

E. 5

4. Of the 4,200 actresses that tried out for the play, did not get cast. How many actresses did get a role in the play? A. 600 B. 3,600 C. 700 D. 250 E. 540 5. │15‐4 │ ‐ │‐8 ‐ 4 │=

A. 7

B. 1

C.‐7

D. ‐1

E. 23

6. What positive value a would make these two lines parallel in a standard (x, y) plane? ax + 4y =16 2x +ay =8

A. 8 B. √2

C. 4

D. 2

E. 2√2

7.

6 7


Point F intersects line AE Point B intersects lines DE and CG Angle DBC= 350 and angle AFB=1420 What is the measure of angle AEB? A.107 B. 90 C. 38 D. 110 E. 95 8. =

\ A. 5 B. 2 C. D. √5 E. 3

9. What is the surface area, in feet, of the box below?

√ 45 √ 9

45 3

4 inches

6 inches

12 inches


A. 288

B. 24

C. 144

D. 96

E. 12 10. Rectangle ABCD has a perimeter of 24. Side AB is 4 inches long. How many inches long is diagonal AC?

C D A.4√2 B. 9 C.3√2 D.10 E. 4√5 Answers: 1.A 2.C 3.C 4.A 5.D 6.E 7.A 8.D 9.B 10.E

A B

4 inches

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The Science Section‐ ACT

The Science section of the ACT is composed of 40 questions which you will have 35 minutes to complete. It is meant to test the science‐related skills you have acquired during your high school years. Although this test is made up of science problems, your knowledge of scientific facts will not be tested. Instead, the exam will test your ability to interpret and draw conclusions from the provided problems. Many students find this to be difficult, especially when working under time constraints. However, familiarizing yourself with the standard format will save some time. The section will ask questions about presented diagrams, experiment descriptions, and contrasting viewpoints. You may not use your calculator to solve the problems on this section. Below are some questions that resemble those you will find on the test. Use the following graphs to answer the questions below.

A doctor from Arlington Heights proposed a new fitness plan for a few of his patients. The plan would take 6 weeks to complete, and the requirements differed from week to week. Three patients decided to have their results monitored. Graph 1 Weekly Requirements for Fitness Plan

Graph 2


1. According to Graph 2, by the second week, Sarah, Josh, and Caroline had lost a combined total of this many pounds.

A.13 B. 8 C.15 D. 10

2. Based on the information provided in Graph 2, what conclusion could be made about the new fitness plan? A. The most weight is lost during week 1. B. The least successful week of the plan, in terms of weight loss, is week 4. C. Patients will lose at least one pound each week. D. No patient loses more than 4.5 pounds on the plan.

3. According to Graph 1, to fully complete the requirements of week 5, a patient would have to do the following: A. Perform an extra hour of cardio B. Perform 1 hour of cardio and 1 hour of strengthening, cut out all processed sugars, and eat 2 extra fruit and vegetable servings. C. Perform one hour of strengthening and two hours of cardio D. Perform 2 hours of cardio, 1 hour of strengthening, eat 2 extra fruit and vegetable servings, and cut out all processed sugars.

4. According to Graph 1, each week patients are required to do the following: A. Perform 1 hour of cardio, 1 hour of strengthening, and eat 2 servings of fruits and vegetables B. The same thing they had to do the week before and sometimes an additional task C. Cut out processed sugars D. Perform at least 1 hour of cardio and 1 hour of strengthening

5. According to Graph 2, during the 6th week:

A. Only one person lost weight. B. Everyone lost some weight C. Sarah did not complete the requirements D. The patients had all put on muscle weight.


Over the years, scientists have used different theories to explain the massive and deadly cholera outbreaks. Beginning in the Middle Ages and continuing through the mid 19th century, scientists believed that miasma was the cause of cholera. Today, scientists no longer believe in miasma, and cite bacteria to be the cause of the outbreaks.

The Miasma Theory According to the Miasma theory, cholera was a caused by miasma, a form of bad air. This air was “bad” because it contained decomposed particles trapped in vapor. Because Miasma was airborne, one could contain it by nearing infected air. The presence of miasma is detected through the foul smell released by the vapor. By thoroughly cleansing a person and their used articles, the contraction of cholera could be avoided. The Bacteria Theory Currently, the cause of cholera is attributed to a Bacillus. Bacillus is a rod‐shaped, spore‐producing bacterium. Bacillus may be transferred through food and warm water, and fingernail dirt among other things. It cannot withstand highly acidic environments, and when ingested in small amounts, usually dies in the acidic contents of the stomach.

6. One could use the following to disprove the Miasma Theory:

A. Proving that cholera was the cause of infections in freshly scented areas. B. Demonstrating that of the two people who shared a home, only one had come down with

cholera. C. Demonstrating that everyone in a village came down with the disease D. Cleansing a sick person’s clothing and items

7. According to the bacteria theory: A. As long as all cholera bacteria reach the stomach, a person will not come down with the disease B. A person could ingest cholera‐causing bacteria without getting sick. C. A person with dirty fingernails is likely to contract cholera D. Warm water is more likely to contain bacteria 8. The Miasma Theory assumes that:

A. Miasma could not be transmitted by being near a person who had the disease. B. Someone who was clean could not be infected with cholera. C. In order for cholera to be transferred, there has to be some moisture in the air. D. Bacteria is not present in the homes of people with cholera.

1.C 2.A 3.D 4.D 5. B 6.A 7.B 8.C

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The English Section‐ ACT

The English section of the ACT is 45 minutes long. In this section, you will be provided with a few passages and asked to answer the questions that follow. These questions frequently deal with punctuation, sentence agreement, and style‐related text errors. Although this portion of the test contains the greatest number of questions (75), they usually take less time to complete. Below are passages and questions that resemble those you may find on the test. Below is a passage with underlined phrases. Find the best replacement for each of these phrases. If you feel that they are already correct, choose No Change. The period between the 5th and 16th century is collectively known as the Middle Ages. Many people also refer to this era as the Dark Ages. However, this term undermines the cultural and technological contributions made (1) then during that period. Admittedly, the first few centuries of Middle Ages were not particularly fruitful. Advances made before the 5th century were frequently (2)neglected: travel agriculture, and libraries were all periodically ignored. (3) During the 12th century, advancements in agriculture led to a better life quality for both lords and peasants. Heavier, deeper‐digging plows increased crop production, and wind mills decreased the need for manual flour grinding. In addition to agricultural changes, a new form of art was introduced. Gothic art influenced, (5) among other things, sculptures, paintings, and buildings of the Middle Ages. The Notre Dame cathedral, a famous example of Gothic architecture, is still admired for its intricate style. The Middle Ages hardly deserve to labeled as “dark”. This description might have originated (6) at the Renaissance. The population of that period tended to cast the previous one in a negative light. They believed themselves to be living during a time of rebirth, and, apparently, the Middle Ages paled in comparison. 1. A. during that past B. during that C. that D. No Change 2. A. neglected: Travel, B. neglected, travel C. neglected: travel, D. No Change 3. Choose the best paragraph transition

A. Things did improve over time.


B. However, a few new libraries were built during that time. C. During the 12th century there were a few advancements. D. Many other things were also neglected.

4. The author wants to add the following sentence to this excerpt. Where would it fit best? Lords would encourage such improvements by lessening responsibilities of peasants who contributed.

A. After the second sentence of the third paragraph. B. After the first sentence of the third paragraph. C. After the last sentence of the second paragraph D. At the beginning of the fourth paragraph.

5. A. as well B. like I mentioned C. art such as D. No Change 6. A. during the B. with the beginning of the C. through D. No Change This portion of the test heavily relies on grammar. To prepare, you may want to borrow or buy a grammar handbook. Pay attention to rules dealing with periods, commas, and colons. You should also review double negatives and information on redundant wording. Because a good chunk of this section deals with basic rules, practicing can significantly increase your score. If you take the time to dust off some English books, you will definitely see results. Answers: 1.B 2.C 3.A 4.A 5.D 6.A


The Reading Section- ACT

The reading section of the ACT is composed of 40 questions which you will have 35 minutes to complete. It is meant to test your ability to locate details and analyze passages. You will find four excerpts followed by questions that will, among other things, ask you to identify the tones, main ideas and details contained. The paragraphs will be numerically labeled for your convenience, but paying attention to the layout is useful. Reference numbers will not be provided for all detail‐related questions. Reading the passage thoroughly on the first try will help you locate answers quickly. As with the remainder of the test, practicing under timed conditions is important. Below are questions that resemble those you may find on the test. Read the passage below, and choose the response that best answers each question. Only base your answers on the information provided. This passage is based on the novel The Life of Olaudah Equiano.

Equiano’s self‐titled novel, The Life of Olaudah Equiano, offers the reader a partially accurate glimpse into the life of a 19th century slave. Although the book is important for its background information, Equiano’s apparent complex taints the story’s reliability. Equiano’s

1 attempts to obtain outside recognition take away from the reader’s hope that he can find his own route for finding and taking advantage of his freedom.

Early on, Equiano labels himself an extraordinarily gifted man, an assumption he attempts to prove throughout the novel. He regularly reminds readers of his talent and drive by making exaggerated attempts to climb the ranks of a system that undervalues him. He also makes

2 it a point to recall his father’s alleged position as an Embrenche: a man who, besides his title of the “highest distinction”, he remembers little about.

Equiano was lucky enough to pass through the hands of relatively decent owners. Many slaves with his opportunities might have attempted to escape, but Equiano stuck around hoping to gain approval. Whenever Equiano mastered a new task, he pointed out his quick adaptation skills.

3 When he worked on the ship, he would brag about his ability to pick up skills quickly. It was because of his aptitude that he “was several times made to fire the gun”. The reader cannot help but allow Equiano’s boastful attitude to detract from his accomplishments.

It can be argued that Equiano’s hesitation to utilize skills against owners was both smart 4 and safe. One can say suggest that if he was obedient enough, his owners might decide to grant him

freedom. This is possible but unlikely. Equiano’s desires did not appear to end at freedom. Frequent mentions of owner approval point to his great need for recognition.

Equiano is intelligent (he could not help but mention that he acquired, “two or three different tongues” on his trip to Africa), but his need for each owner’s approval is frustrating. Over time, Equiano even comes to the conclusion that English men, “were superior to us”, and that

5 he had a “strong desire to resemble them, to imbibe their spirit, and imitate their manners”. Although it might be natural to find surrounding cultures appealing, Equiano’s adaptation to the English style during and after enslavement take away from his accomplishments. Despite the characters boastful and exaggerated claims, it would be unfair to write his novel off completely. It should be noted that the novel was not, nor was it ever meant to be,

6 a fairy tale. Equiano was lucky and intelligent enough to gain his freedom and convince publishers to print a truly controversial novel. His experiences had the potential to encourage freed and enslaved blacks to keep their spirits high and their dreams alive.

The Life of Olaudah Equiano provides historians with a detailed description of slavery conditions in the 19th century. Some of Equiano’s qualities were undoubtedly irritating,

7 but the book was nevertheless a unique and rare accomplishment.


1. Based on the passage, the reader would probably want Equiano to demonstrate which of the following traits?

I. Humility II. Independence III. Perseverance

A. I and II B. II and III C. III D. I and III

2. It is logical to infer that Equiano talks about his acquisition of “two or three different tongues”

because:

A. He exaggerates a lot B. He wants to impress the reader C. He is intelligent D. He believes it will increase his chance of obtaining freedom

3. In paragraph 5, the word “imbibe” most likely means:

A. Contribute to B. Get rid of C. Take in D. Analyze

4. Equiano was made to fire a gun because:

A. He had to protect the ship B. He had enough skill to do so C. He wanted to run away D. People on the ship were required to learn how to use a gun

5. Equiano’s book was: I. Detailed II. Convincing III. Very reliable

A. II and III B. I and III C. I and II D. I

6. Paragraphs 5 and 6 differ from the rest of the passage because:

A. They praise Equiano’s accomplishments B. They points out Equiano’s personality flaws C. They admit that the book has some attributes D. They describe the book as a “fairy tale”


7. The main purpose of paragraph 4 is to:

A. List Equiano’s opportunities to escape B Disprove the claim that Equiano’s choice to avoid escape was a smart and safe tactic C Explain why some slaves turned down the chance to escape

D Prove that Equiano was not interested in freedom 8. As a result of Equiano’s adaptation to the English style:

A. The reader feels frustrated B. The content of the book is more believable C. Equiano has a hard time getting along with others D. Equiano was allowed to shoot a gun

Answers: 1A 2B 3C 4B 5D 6A 7B 8A


The Writing Section‐ ACT

The writing section of the ACT is the only optional portion of the test. Although schools might look at what you wrote, you will not be formally graded on your performance. This is good news for students who are not particularly confident in their writing abilities. That being said, it is still in your best interest give this section a shot. Some admissions committees say they will examine a student’s essay in the event of a tiebreaker. If this sort of situation does come up, an essay will show that you put forth some effort. When you get to the writing section, you will be presented with one high school‐related issue and two arguments. You will then have 30 minutes to choose the argument that makes most sense and to write an essay that supports it. If you do not agree with either of the arguments, you may choose to present your own case. It is the way you write and support your essay and not the argument you choose that colleges will examine. Below are some sample issues that resemble those you may see on the test. Read the prompts below, and write an essay supporting one of the arguments. You may also choose to present and support your own solution. 1. Many high schools are considering an increasingly strict security plan. The plan would require each school to install dozens of cameras inside hallways and classrooms. Additionally, visitors would have to wait in bulletproof areas while school employees scanned their licenses for criminal information. Proponents of the plan said that the procedures would virtually eliminate school abductions and shootings. According to them, the security of students and teachers should be a top priority. Opponents of the plan believe it to be excessively expensive and unpractical. They think that the money would be better spent on improving school curricula and attracting highly‐qualified instructors. 2. The practice of tracking, separating students based on standardized test scores and classroom performance, is coming under increased scrutiny. Proponents of tracking believe that placing students in classes based on performance will encourage all students to reach their potential. Students will not have to be held back or left behind by others. Because one can be successful at each level, they believe that tracking is practical and beneficial for all. Opponents of tracking believe that such separation will put students in lower‐level classes at a disadvantage. They think that classes should be open to all students, not just those thought to be capable. Separating students will not prepare them for the diverse outside world, and it may cause self‐esteem damage. 3. In the near future, Congress will vote on a bill permitting random high school drug searches. Proponents of the bill believe that searches should be allowed because drugs pose a threat to both students and teachers. They think that schools should have the right to ensure a drug‐free and secure environment. Testing will make it clear that schools will not tolerate drug‐use. Opponents of the plan believe that random searches are a direct violation of the fourth amendment which outlaws unreasonable searches and seizures. They think that searching all students based on the belief that one may possess drugs creates an environment filled with tension and suspicion.


Before you begin your essay, take a moment to outline your thoughts. Doing so will help you write a clear and logical essay. Style is wonderful, but it is just garnish. Once you have made your argument apparent, you can smooth your essay out. Asking friends to pinpoint your argument after practicing will also help. If they can recognize your thesis, you are doing well. If not, just try again. It will get easier.

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