ACT (test) facts for kids
The ACT is a test that many high school students in the United States take to get into colleges and universities. It helps colleges see what you've learned in school. The ACT was first offered in Fall 1959. It was created by Everett Franklin Lindquist to be another option besides the SAT test. Some students find they do better on the ACT, while others prefer the SAT. All four-year colleges and universities in the U.S. accept the ACT test scores.
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What is the ACT Test?
The ACT is a test designed to measure what you've learned in high school. It checks your skills in different subjects. Colleges use your scores to help decide if you're a good fit for their programs.
Parts of the ACT Test
The ACT has four main sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. There is also an optional Writing test you can choose to take.
English Test
This part of the test looks at your grammar, punctuation, and writing skills. You'll read passages and answer questions about how to make them better. It checks how well you understand standard English rules.
Math Test
The Math section covers different areas like algebra, geometry, and basic numbers. You'll need to solve problems using what you've learned in your math classes. It tests your problem-solving abilities.
Reading Test
In the Reading section, you'll read several passages from different topics, like fiction, social studies, humanities, and natural sciences. After reading, you answer questions to show you understood what you read. This tests your ability to comprehend and analyze text.
Science Test
The Science section is not about memorizing science facts. Instead, it tests your science reasoning skills. You'll look at charts, graphs, and descriptions of experiments. Then, you'll answer questions about the information provided. It checks how well you can interpret data and draw conclusions.
Optional Writing Test
Since February 2005, students can choose to take an optional Writing test. This part asks you to write an essay. It shows colleges how well you can organize your thoughts and write clearly about a topic.
History of the ACT
The ACT was created by Everett Franklin Lindquist. He wanted to offer a different kind of test for college admissions. It became a competitor to the SAT, which was the main test at the time. Over the years, the ACT has been updated to meet the needs of students and colleges.
Related pages
- Global Assessment Certificate
- SAT, the main competitor to ACT's examination
Images for kids
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2005 distribution of ACT scores
