ACT STUDY GUIDE
Overview of the ACT English Section
The ACT English section consists of 75 questions to be answered in 45 minutes. This section tests
your ability to recognize and correct grammatical errors, improve sentence structure, and enhance
rhetorical e ectiveness in writing. The passages provided will contain underlined portions, and you
must choose the best alternative among the answer choices.
Question Breakdown:
• Usage/Mechanics (40 questions) – Grammar, punctuation, sentence structure.
• Rhetorical Skills (35 questions) – Organization, strategy, and style.
Key Grammar Rules for ACT English
1. Sentence Structure & Punctuation
Run-on Sentences & Fragments:
A run-on sentence improperly combines two independent clauses.
• Incorrect: I love writing I nd it relaxing.
• Correct: I love writing, and I nd it relaxing.
A fragment is an incomplete sentence missing a subject or verb.
• Incorrect: Because I went to the store.
• Correct: Because I went to the store, I was able to buy groceries.
Comma Rules:
• Use a comma before a conjunction to join two independent clauses.
• Example: I like co ee, but I prefer tea in the morning.
• Use commas for nonessential information.
• Example: My brother, who lives in California, is visiting next week.
• Use commas to separate items in a list.
• Example: She bought apples, oranges, bananas, and grapes.
Semicolons & Colons:
• A semicolon joins two independent clauses without a conjunction.
• Example: I love reading; it expands my imagination.
• A colon introduces a list or explanation.
• Example: There are three things I love: reading, writing, and hiking.
Overview of the ACT English Section
The ACT English section consists of 75 questions to be answered in 45 minutes. This section tests
your ability to recognize and correct grammatical errors, improve sentence structure, and enhance
rhetorical e ectiveness in writing. The passages provided will contain underlined portions, and you
must choose the best alternative among the answer choices.
Question Breakdown:
• Usage/Mechanics (40 questions) – Grammar, punctuation, sentence structure.
• Rhetorical Skills (35 questions) – Organization, strategy, and style.
Key Grammar Rules for ACT English
1. Sentence Structure & Punctuation
Run-on Sentences & Fragments:
A run-on sentence improperly combines two independent clauses.
• Incorrect: I love writing I nd it relaxing.
• Correct: I love writing, and I nd it relaxing.
A fragment is an incomplete sentence missing a subject or verb.
• Incorrect: Because I went to the store.
• Correct: Because I went to the store, I was able to buy groceries.
Comma Rules:
• Use a comma before a conjunction to join two independent clauses.
• Example: I like co ee, but I prefer tea in the morning.
• Use commas for nonessential information.
• Example: My brother, who lives in California, is visiting next week.
• Use commas to separate items in a list.
• Example: She bought apples, oranges, bananas, and grapes.
Semicolons & Colons:
• A semicolon joins two independent clauses without a conjunction.
• Example: I love reading; it expands my imagination.
• A colon introduces a list or explanation.
• Example: There are three things I love: reading, writing, and hiking.
