Strategies for Rapid Improvement in ACT English Section

The Challenging Reality

I have an ACT test in the coming July 16th and I still get 20 score in English which I need to improve. What should I do to reach 34 at least in English?

Sadly, it is not possible to achieve such a significant score increase in just a short period of time. After nearly 30 years of teaching ACT prep, I have seen the best performance improvement from a 20 to around a 24. It is extremely unlikely to jump from a 20 to a 34 in such a short time frame.

The recommendation is to focus on a 4.0 GPA at community college and applying as a transfer.

Effective Preparation Strategies

However, I highly recommend concentrating on grammar by learning the grammar rules. Acquire as many English sections as possible and complete them prior to the next actual test. This will help build your foundational knowledge and confidence.

Here are five key strategies to consider:

1. Consistency with Verb Tense and Storyline

Always look for consistency in verb tense and storyline throughout the passage. Pay attention to the context above and below each question to ensure you understand the overall narrative. This will help you avoid common pitfalls and make more accurate decisions.

2. Using Questions to Guide Your Answers

Let the questions guide you to the answer. For example, if a question is "Which of these is NOT…," your only priority is to answer the question based on the information provided. Don't assume the correct answer given the choices; use the questions to eliminate three wrong answers first.

3. Eliminate Incorrect Answers, Not Just the Right One

Never choose the right answer directly. Instead, eliminate the three wrong answers. This helps you avoid silly mistakes and prevents you from choosing a grammatically correct but not the most effective answer.

4. Select Shortest and Clear Answers

When in doubt, select the shortest answer. Think "short and sweet," "clear and concise." Avoid trying to choose the answer that "sounds the smartest" or uses big words unnecessarily. Avoid redundancy and unnecessary asides.

5. Read Entire Sentences Carefully

Once you've made your selection, read the entire sentence carefully. ACT is known for making half a sentence sound great, and you don't want to fall victim to this trap. Ensure your answer fits seamlessly into the overall context.

Ultimately, you will almost certainly need guidance from a tutor to achieve even a 6-8 point increase. ACT is tricky, and a seasoned tutor can help you understand why you missed what you missed. They can also help you learn to focus on the things that will have the biggest impact on your score.

When considering a tutor, look for someone who has extensive experience in ACT prep and can provide personalized guidance. They can tailor their approach to your specific needs and help you make significant improvements in a short time.

By following these strategies and perhaps enlisting the help of a tutor, you can still achieve a more significant score increase than the 14 points you are aiming for. Even a 2-4 point improvement can make a big difference in your overall ACT score.

So, while the jump to a 34 from a 20 is unrealistic in the short term, with consistent practice and the right preparation, you can make meaningful progress toward your goal.