For each test section, students take shorter timed “mini-tests” containing a representative sample of questions in a fraction of the time proportional to the number of questions in the mini-test.
This exercise is a sprint! The goal is to push oneself, in short bursts to the very high level of focus and energy required to achieve a perfect score. Through trial, error, and increasing application of personal will, students learn to enter and eventually habituate the state of mind necessary to maximize their scores.
For example, an ACT math mini-test is created as follows:
From an official ACT test, the math section is printed. The student attempts to answer 1/4 of the questions in this section in 1/4 of the time allowed. Instead of completing an entire ACT Math section – which would require 60 minutes to answer 60 questions – the student has 15 minutes to answer every fourth question in this section: #1, 5, 9, 13, etc.
A bubble sheet is not used, but the standard marking system is observed (circling letters, writing large capitals under question numbers, adding “?” or “X” for guesses, etc.). The student uses an analog watch reset to exactly 12 o’clock to mark time
At the conclusion of each mini-test, students check their answers, critique their performance, and record insights. This material is then studied and reviewed thoroughly (reviewing notes and reworking incorrectly answered questions) before repeating the process. "Practice, critique, review, repeat!"
Below are standard time limits recommended for various ACT mini-tests:
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English
One passage, 15 questions: 9 minutes
Math
Every 4th question, 15 questions (#1, 5, 9, 13, etc.): 15 minutes
Reading
One passage, 10 questions: 8 minutes 45 seconds
Science
One passage, 6-7 questions: 5 minutes 50 seconds
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