Exams Know-how

ACT Practice Tests: All about ACT Sample Papers and Practice Tests

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Kashyap Matani
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Attempting ACT sample papers on a regular basis helps students evaluate their preparedness for the final exam day. The practice tests comprise every type of question found in the actual exam. Therefore, as an aspirant of ACT, you can constantly focus on areas of improvisation w.r.t reading skills, writing skills, correct usage of grammar,  mathematical abilities and scientific interpretation of data.

If you are looking for both online, and offline study material to facilitate your ACT preparation, you are at the right place! Keep reading as we will make you discover all the relevant information on ACT sample papers, ACT practice papers, and whatnot!

  Table of Contents

  1. Why Take an ACT Practice Test?
  2. 8 Free Full Length ACT Sample Papers with Answers
  3. Official Online ACT Practice Tests
  4. Recommended Resources for ACT Practice Tests
  5. Tips for Attempting ACT Practice Papers

Why Take an ACT Practice Test?

Taking an ACT practice test in the form of either an ACT exam sample paper, or an ACT online practice test can prove to be beneficial in numerous ways. Let us know why:

  • You get to experience how the test looks like, and also get a chance to know the content under different sections.
  • Through a pre ACT practice test, you get an opportunity to sharpen your skills.
  • An ACT full practice test also helps you to discover new potential areas, and undiscovered gaps in your ACT preparation.

8 Free Full-Length ACT Sample Papers with Answers

Given below are the links to all official ACT practice tests that are completely free. The 8 tests given below are full-length practice tests comprising four sections. They also include scoring keys, allowing you to grade your performance.

Exam

Test & Scoring Key Pages

ACT practice test for 2021-2022

9-55

ACT practice test for 2020-2021

13-60

ACT practice test for 2018-2019

11-60

ACT practice test for 2015-2016

11-62

ACT practice test for 2014-2015

11-62

ACT practice test for 2011-2012

13-65

ACT practice test for 2008-2009

13-64

ACT practice test for 2005-2006

13-65

Suggested: Colleges Accepting Low ACT Scores!

Official Online ACT Practice Tests

The official ACT website allows students to take an online ACT full practice test for free. This free practice test allows you to know your weak areas. This test can be taken up by signing up for MyACT account.

If you are interested in practising for a particular subject, given below are the links to the official sample test questions from each of the sections.

Along with the questions, you are also provided with the correct answers for each of these questions.

ACT English Test

ACT Math Test

ACT Reading Test

ACT Science Test

ACT Writing (optional)

Suggested: Know about the ACT Writing Syllabus

The official website for ACT recommends the following books and resources for ACT preparation. These contain ACT practice papers, review explanations, along with ACT sample paper.

1. The Official ACT Prep Guide 2021-2022 Edition

This is the latest edition of the official ACT exam which allows students to practice with real practice tests. This is one of the best and the latest version of the ACT preparation guide.

Cost (Approx.)

  • Paperback – 33 USD
  • Kindle - 32 USD

Highlights

  • 6 official ACT practice tests
  • 400 online flashcards
  • Review explanations for all correct and incorrect answer choices
  • Recommended strategies and test-taking tips

 Suggested: Top 10 ACT Prep Resources!

2. ACT Official Subject Guides – 2nd Edition

Four Official Subject guides are available for students who would like to individually prepare for the subjects.  These guides can be used if you are looking  for ways to strengthen a particular section. The available guides include -

  • Official ACT English Guide
  • Official ACT Math Guide
  • Official ACT Reading Guide
  • Official ACT Science Guide

Cost Per Guide (Approx.)

  • Paperback – 21 USD
  • Kindle - 17 USD

Highlights

  • 1-year access to Online Question Bank
  • 200 new questions and explanations in each subject

3. The Official Beginner's Guide for ACT 2020-2021

This is the official preparation guide for ACT for the year 2020-2021.  This book is meant as a guide for students interested in all the information about all the new enhancements made to the ACT exam.

Cost (Approx.)

  • Paperback – 20 USD

Highlights

  • One full length online PreACT Diagnostic test
  • An Official ACT practice test offered in the book and online

Suggested: What is the ACT SuperScore?

Tips for Attempting ACT Sample Papers

Once you have access to the ACT sample papers and practice tests, you should use them to your advantage. A few tips to help you reap maximum benefits from these practice tests are being shared below:

  • Take the test in proper order: Take the entire ACT exam sample paper in one sitting and in order starting with English, then Math, followed by reading and science. You may also take the optional writing exam once you are done. You should also give yourself a 10 to 15 minute break between Math and Science exam, just like the actual exam.
  • Time yourself like the actual exam: The four-section exam takes 2 hours and 55 minutes to complete. Each section is assigned a time slot. Make sure you allow yourself precisely that time. Use a stopwatch for precision.
    • English: 45 minutes
    • Math: 60 minutes
    • Reading: 35 minutes
    • Science: 35 minutes
    • Writing (Optional): 40 minutes
  • Don’t switch calculators: If you are planning to use a permitted calculator for your math section in the final exam, make sure you use the same calculator for the practice test.
  • Score yourself: All the practice tests are provided with the scoring key. Once you complete the exam make sure you use the key to get your composite result.
  • Evaluate Your scores: The final ACT scores will help you evaluate your performance and identify the weak areas.
  • Take multiple tests before exam day: Try to take at least three ACT practice tests dedicatedly before the final exam under typical exam conditions. This will prepare you physically and mentally for the actual exam.

Suggested: What to Bring on ACT Test Day?

The ACT sample papers provided above are taken from the official website and are the closest experience to the real exam. They will help you strengthen your ACT preparation and prepare you mentally for the real thing. For further assistance on the ACT online practice test, you can connect with our Yocket Counsellors!

Frequently Asked Questions about ACT Practice Tests

What is the ACT exam fee?

What are some ACT test taking strategies?

What should I not bring to the ACT test day?

Can I take the ACT test more than once?

Can I order a copy of my test questions and answers?

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