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100+ Free ACT Practice Questions

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Which of the following correctly uses a hyphen? A) She gave a well-reasoned argument. B) The argument was well reasoned. C) The well reasoned-argument was persuasive. D) She is a twenty five year old student.

A
B
C
D
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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: ACT Exam

131 questions

Core test question count (English + Math + Reading)

ACT, Inc. Enhanced ACT format 2025

125 minutes

Core test time (reduced from 195 minutes)

ACT, Inc. Enhanced ACT format 2025

1–36

ACT composite score scale (average of English, Math, Reading)

ACT, Inc.

~22% more

Time per question compared to prior ACT format

ACT Inc. comparison data, 2025

Optional

Science section status in Enhanced ACT (does not affect composite)

ACT, Inc. Enhanced ACT format 2025

4 answer choices

ACT Math options per question (reduced from 5)

ACT, Inc. Enhanced ACT format 2025

The Enhanced ACT (launched April 2025) is a 131-question college admissions test with three required sections: English (50 questions, 35 min), Math (45 questions, 50 min), and Reading (36 questions, 40 min), totaling 125 minutes of core testing — down from 195 minutes for the prior format. The composite score (1–36) is the average of the three core sections; Science (40 questions, 40 min) is now optional and does not count toward the composite. Math questions now have 4 answer choices instead of 5, and students have approximately 22% more time per question than in the previous format. The ACT is accepted by all U.S. four-year colleges and universities (ACT, Inc., 2025).

Sample ACT Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your ACT exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Read the following sentence and choose the best version of the underlined portion. "The committee, which had been meeting for three hours, finally reached [a consensus, and they decided to adjourn]." A) a consensus, and they decided to adjourn B) a consensus and decided to adjourn C) a consensus, deciding to adjourn D) a consensus; they decided to adjourn
A.a consensus, and they decided to adjourn
B.a consensus and decided to adjourn
C.a consensus, deciding to adjourn
D.a consensus; they decided to adjourn
Explanation: Option B is most concise and avoids redundancy. The conjunction 'and' with a shared subject ('the committee') does not need to be repeated, so 'reached a consensus and decided to adjourn' is the clearest construction. Option A is wordy ('they' is redundant). Option C creates an awkward participial phrase. Option D creates a comma-splice correction with a semicolon, but the two clauses are closely related actions that flow better joined by 'and'.
2Which of the following correctly uses a comma? A) She loves hiking, and camping in the mountains. B) After the storm passed, the roads were clear. C) He bought apples, oranges and, bananas. D) The dog, ran quickly across the yard.
A.She loves hiking, and camping in the mountains.
B.After the storm passed, the roads were clear.
C.He bought apples, oranges and, bananas.
D.The dog, ran quickly across the yard.
Explanation: Option B correctly places a comma after an introductory adverbial clause ('After the storm passed'). Introductory clauses and phrases are typically set off by a comma. Option A incorrectly places a comma before 'and' when it joins only two items in a series (not two independent clauses). Option C misplaces the comma after 'and'. Option D inserts an unnecessary comma between the subject and verb.
3In the sentence below, which word is used incorrectly? "Their going to the park tomorrow, weather permitting." A) Their B) going C) tomorrow D) permitting
A.Their
B.going
C.tomorrow
D.permitting
Explanation: 'Their' is a possessive pronoun, but the sentence needs the contraction 'They're' (= 'They are'). 'They're going to the park' is correct. 'Their' would indicate ownership (e.g., 'their car'). This is a classic homophone error tested on the ACT English section.
4Choose the option that best improves the underlined portion for style and clarity. "The scientist's report was very unique and completely original in its findings." A) very unique and completely original B) unique and original C) uniquely original D) one-of-a-kind and original
A.very unique and completely original
B.unique and original
C.uniquely original
D.one-of-a-kind and original
Explanation: 'Unique' already means 'one of a kind,' so 'very unique' is redundant and non-standard. 'Uniquely original' is the most concise and idiomatic revision—one word does the work. Option B still repeats the idea ('unique' and 'original' overlap). Option D is wordy and informal.
5Which sentence contains a dangling modifier? A) Running through the park, Maria noticed the flowers were blooming. B) Running through the park, the flowers were beautiful to notice. C) While running through the park, Maria saw beautiful flowers. D) Maria, running through the park, noticed the beautiful flowers.
A.Running through the park, Maria noticed the flowers were blooming.
B.Running through the park, the flowers were beautiful to notice.
C.While running through the park, Maria saw beautiful flowers.
D.Maria, running through the park, noticed the beautiful flowers.
Explanation: Option B has a dangling modifier: 'Running through the park' grammatically modifies the nearest noun after the comma, which is 'the flowers'—but flowers cannot run. The subject that should follow the comma must be the runner. Options A, C, and D all correctly place 'Maria' as the subject immediately after the introductory participial phrase.
6Select the punctuation that best fills the blank. "Marcus wanted three things from his vacation___ relaxation, adventure, and good food." A) ; B) , C) : D) —
A.;
B.,
C.:
D.—
Explanation: A colon is used after an independent clause to introduce a list or elaboration. 'Marcus wanted three things from his vacation' is a complete independent clause, and the list that follows defines those things. A semicolon joins two independent clauses, not a clause and a list. A comma is insufficient for introducing a formal list after a complete clause. An em dash could work informally but the colon is the standard, preferred choice here.
7The following sentence has an error in subject-verb agreement. Identify the corrected version. "Neither the manager nor the employees was informed about the new policy." A) Neither the manager nor the employees is informed about the new policy. B) Neither the manager nor the employees were informed about the new policy. C) Neither the manager nor the employees has been informed about the new policy. D) Neither the manager nor the employees to be informed about the new policy.
A.Neither the manager nor the employees is informed about the new policy.
B.Neither the manager nor the employees were informed about the new policy.
C.Neither the manager nor the employees has been informed about the new policy.
D.Neither the manager nor the employees to be informed about the new policy.
Explanation: With 'neither…nor' constructions, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it. The closest subject is 'the employees' (plural), so the verb must be plural: 'were'. 'Was,' 'is,' and 'has been' are all singular forms that do not agree with the plural 'employees.' Option D creates a fragment.
8Which transition word best fills the blank to show contrast? "The initial results were promising; ___, the final study failed to confirm those findings." A) furthermore B) consequently C) however D) similarly
A.furthermore
B.consequently
C.however
D.similarly
Explanation: 'However' signals a contrast or reversal, which is exactly what the sentence requires: the initial promise contrasted with the final failure to confirm. 'Furthermore' adds a similar point. 'Consequently' shows a result or effect. 'Similarly' indicates comparison. Only 'however' correctly signals the contradiction between the two clauses.
9Which version of the sentence is most appropriately concise? A) Due to the fact that it was raining, we canceled the picnic. B) Because it was raining, we canceled the picnic. C) On account of the rain that was falling, we decided to cancel the picnic event. D) The picnic was canceled by us because of the rain.
A.Due to the fact that it was raining, we canceled the picnic.
B.Because it was raining, we canceled the picnic.
C.On account of the rain that was falling, we decided to cancel the picnic event.
D.The picnic was canceled by us because of the rain.
Explanation: Option B is the most concise and direct. 'Due to the fact that' (A) is a wordy substitute for 'because'. Option C is verbose ('on account of the rain that was falling'). Option D uses passive voice unnecessarily ('was canceled by us') when active voice is clearer and shorter.
10Identify the sentence with a correctly placed apostrophe. A) The childrens' playground was renovated last summer. B) The children's playground was renovated last summer. C) The childrens playground was renovated last summer. D) The childrens's playground was renovated last summer.
A.The childrens' playground was renovated last summer.
B.The children's playground was renovated last summer.
C.The childrens playground was renovated last summer.
D.The childrens's playground was renovated last summer.
Explanation: 'Children' is an irregular plural (not 'childrens'). Because it does not end in 's,' the possessive is formed by adding apostrophe + s: 'children's.' Option A wrongly treats 'childrens' as a regular plural ending in 's' and adds only an apostrophe. Option C omits the apostrophe entirely. Option D is a double-possessive error.

About the ACT Exam

The ACT is a standardized college admissions test accepted by all U.S. four-year colleges. The Enhanced ACT, launched in April 2025, features a shorter core test of 131 questions across English (50 Qs, 35 min), Mathematics (45 Qs, 50 min), and Reading (36 Qs, 40 min). Science is now optional. The composite score (1–36) is the average of the three core section scores.

Questions

131 scored questions

Time Limit

125 minutes (core); 165 min with Science; 205 min with Science and Writing

Passing Score

No pass/fail — composite score 1–36; national average approximately 20–21

Exam Fee

Approximately $68 for core test (2025); fees vary by state and testing option (ACT, Inc. (ACT, a Nonprofit))

ACT Exam Content Outline

33% of composite

English

50 questions, 35 minutes. Grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, transitions, style, organization, and rhetorical skills on five prose passages.

33% of composite

Mathematics

45 questions, 50 minutes, 4 answer choices. Pre-algebra, algebra, coordinate geometry, plane geometry, trigonometry, and statistics/probability.

33% of composite

Reading

36 questions, 40 minutes. Comprehension, inference, vocabulary in context, and author's purpose across literary narrative, social science, humanities, and natural science passages.

Optional — STEM score only

Science

40 questions, 40 minutes. Data representation, research summaries, and conflicting viewpoints. Reasoning from charts, tables, and scientific scenarios.

How to Pass the ACT Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: No pass/fail — composite score 1–36; national average approximately 20–21
  • Exam length: 131 questions
  • Time limit: 125 minutes (core); 165 min with Science; 205 min with Science and Writing
  • Exam fee: Approximately $68 for core test (2025); fees vary by state and testing option

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

ACT Study Tips from Top Performers

1Take a full-length timed practice test first to identify your weakest sections — focus study time where it will improve your composite the most.
2For ACT English, practice identifying the shortest correct answer: the ACT frequently rewards conciseness over verbose constructions.
3For ACT Math, memorize the 30-60-90 and 45-45-90 triangle ratios, special trig values (sin/cos/tan of 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°), and the distance/midpoint/slope formulas.
4For ACT Reading, practice active reading: underline the main idea of each paragraph as you read, so you can locate evidence quickly for questions.
5For optional ACT Science, remember that scientific knowledge is rarely needed — the skill being tested is reading tables, graphs, and experimental setups quickly and accurately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What changed with the Enhanced ACT in 2025?

The Enhanced ACT (launched April 2025) reduced the core test from 215 questions to 131 questions, lowered total core testing time from 195 to 125 minutes, made Science optional, reduced Math answer choices from 5 to 4, and added a digital testing option alongside the traditional paper format. The composite score now covers only English, Math, and Reading.

Does the Science section count toward the ACT composite score?

No. In the Enhanced ACT, the Science section is optional and does not factor into the 1–36 composite score. Science scores are reported separately and combined with Math to produce a STEM score.

What is a good ACT composite score?

The national average ACT composite is approximately 20–21 out of 36. Scores of 28+ place students in roughly the top 10% of test-takers, while a 34+ places them in the top 1%. Admissions targets vary by school.

How many times can I take the ACT?

There is no official limit to how many times you can take the ACT. Most students take it 2–3 times. ACT allows superscoring (using your best section scores across multiple test dates) at participating colleges.

Is a calculator allowed on the ACT Math section?

Yes, a calculator is permitted throughout the entire ACT Math section. ACT accepts most standard scientific and graphing calculators; check ACT's official calculator policy for the approved list before test day.

Should I take the ACT or SAT?

Both are accepted at all U.S. colleges. The ACT tests Science reasoning (optionally) and favors students comfortable with data interpretation, while the SAT integrates science into reading passages. The ACT Math section uses 4 answer choices vs. SAT's grid-in and 4-choice format. Try a free practice test for each and compare scores to choose the better fit.