Preparing for the ACT Exam and don't know what to study? You've come to the right place! The ACT measures high school students' college readiness by testing them in four areas: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. An optional Writing test is also available. Each section follows a specific syllabus designed to assess key skills:-

• English covers grammar and sentence structure
• Math includes algebra, geometry, and trigonometry
• Reading tests comprehension and analysis, and
• Science focuses on interpretation and reasoning with scientific data

In this ACT Syllabus guide, we'll break down the ACT syllabus in section-wise topics, question formats, and Sub Score Distribution for ACT Sections.

How is the ACT Exam Structured?

The ACT is a standardized test that measures US Colleges & Global Institutes readiness across four major sections: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science, with an optional Writing test.

• It contains 215 multiple-choice questions and one essay, which take 3 hours and 35 minutes to complete (not including breaks).
• There is a time limit for each section, so time management is critical to achieving success.
• Knowing the test format will help students prepare effectively and maximize their performance on exam day.

Here is a table summarizing the sections of the ACT test, the number of questions, and time allocated to those questions, as well as information about the optional writing section:

Additional Note: Right after the Science test, there will be a shorter, multiple-choice test on one of the previously covered topics. You won't be graded for the outcome of this extra test. The information is just used to develop future test questions.

Also, Get to Know What is a Good ACT Score

ACT Section-wise Syllabus

The ACT exam is divided into several subject areas, each designed to test different skills that are crucial for academic success. The subject-wise syllabus includes English, Mathematics, Reading, Science, and an optional Writing section. Understanding the syllabus for each subject helps candidates focus on the critical topics, allowing them to optimize their study efforts and perform confidently on exam day.

Sub Score Distribution for ACT Sections

The sub-scores in ACT give an emphasis on areas of strength and weaknesses for that particular section.

• English is split into Usage or Mechanics between 1-18 and Rhetorical Skills between 1-18,
• While the Essay is optional and scored between 2-12
• Mathematics is split into three parts which is Pre-Algebra/Elementary Algebra 1-18, Algebra/Coordinate Geometry 1-18, and Plane Geometry/Trigonometry 1-18.
• Reading has two sub-scores which is for Social Sciences/Sciences 1-18 and Arts/Literature between 1-18.
• Science section does not provide any sub-scores.

These scores allow students to know the weak sections and to alter their study strategies. Read below to know more: 

Also, Get to Know Which Colleges Take Superscore ACT?

ACT English Syllabus

The ACT English section tests in two major areas: Grammar and Usage, and Rhetorical Skills. Knowing these essential topics will help a student do well on the ACT English section and assist a writer in improving their overall writing ability. 

The Usage/Mechanics (52-55%) section mainly focuses on grammar, punctuation, sentence structure.

• Punctuation: Internal and end-of-sentence punctuation.
• Grammar & Usage: Subject-verb agreement, pronoun-antecedent agreement, verb formation, modifiers, idiomatic usage.
• Sentence Structure: Clause relationships, construction shifts, modifier placement.

The Rhetorical Skills (15-17%) section focuses on organization, tone, and style.

• Strategy: Topic development, revising supporting material, statement relevance.
• Organization: Logical flow, transitions, and effective sentence placement.
• Style: Word choice, sentence structure, tone consistency, avoiding ambiguity.

Ace Your Upcoming ACT Test Preparation with our detailed preparation Guide!

ACT Math Syllabus

This table highlights the essential topics within the Mathematics section, providing a clear guide for students as they prepare for the exam.

The Pre-Algebra/Elementary Algebra (57-60%) section focuses on whole numbers and statistics etc. 

• Pre-Algebra: Whole numbers, decimals, exponents, ratios, descriptive statistics.
• Elementary Algebra: Quadratic equations, linear equations, inequalities, binomial multiplication.

The Plane Geometry/Trigonometry (12-15%) section focuses on Geometry and Trigonometry part. 

• Plane Geometry: 3D geometry, polygons, triangles, circles, volume.
• Trigonometry: Trigonometric identities, graphing, solving trigonometric equations.

Learn Equations, Strategies & Tricks with our ACT Math Formulas Guide

ACT Reading Syllabus

This section contains four paragraphs of reading with accompanying questions to check for understanding, interpretation, and critical thinking abilities. Master of the section involves far more than reading proficiency; it requires the ability to tease out important ideas, as well as to discern what the author intended.

• The Social Sciences/Sciences (1-18) section focuses on fiction, social sciences and understanding passages etc. 
• The Arts/Literature (1-18) section focuses on reading and understanding passages.

Also Get to Know What are ACT Writing Score Here!

ACT Science Syllabus

The Science section of the ACT exam evaluates candidates' skills in interpreting, analyzing, and evaluating scientific information. The section includes passages with data representations, research summaries, and conflicting viewpoints, requiring students to draw conclusions and make inferences. 

• There will be total 40 questions across 7 passages covering:
  • Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Sciences.
  • Data Representation: Graphs, tables, scatterplots interpretation.
  • Research Summaries: Experiment design and result analysis.
  • Conflicting Viewpoints: Comparing hypotheses, critical thinking.

ACT Syllabus for Writing Section (Optional)

The ACT's optional Writing section assesses a student's ability to analyze an issue and build a clear, well-supported argument. A good essay includes a strong thesis, logical reasoning, and evidence-based claims. This section provides applicants with the opportunity to demonstrate their writing abilities to college admissions committees.

• One essay discussing three different viewpoints.
• Needs to be well-structured argumentation, logical reasoning, and clarity.

Also, Get Familiar with Should You Guess on SAT & ACT? before appearing for SAT and ACT exams. 

Summing Up!

ACT test is one of the most used readiness tests among the colleges; it includes almost all skills which come under various four sections; knowing the syllabus of those different areas with their key focuses will thus guide a student more toward preparation in each area before appearing for that test. Whether it is the core section of the writing or core subjects, strategic study techniques will equip the candidate to perform confidently at the time of the test. A full understanding of the ACT syllabus can equip the student with much more than just the desired grades; it helps one sail through school to the next level.

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