How to Score a Perfect 36 on the ACT Reading Section

What the ACT Reading Section Measures

The ACT Reading section is designed to assess how well you can understand and analyze written texts under time pressure. It measures your ability to read closely, reason logically about texts using evidence, and integrate information from multiple sources. In other words, it tests reading comprehension skills similar to what you'll need in college: identifying main ideas, understanding details, inferring meanings, and comparing information. This section does not require outside knowledge of the passage topics – all answers must be supported by the passages provided. It focuses on how well you extract and interpret information from the text itself.

Importantly, the Reading section comes third on the ACT (after English and Math), so you may already be a bit fatigued. There are 36 multiple-choice questions to answer in just 40 minutes, which means time management is crucial. The test-makers intentionally include more questions than most students can comfortably answer by leisurely reading, so reading efficiency and strategic skipping or scanning are often needed. The primary difficulty is the tight time constraint – you have an average of only 8–9 minutes per passage, including reading and answering questions. A perfect 36 requires not only strong comprehension skills but also the ability to work quickly and accurately under these conditions.

Passage Types and Question Types

The ACT Reading section always includes four passages, each roughly 700–800 words long. These four passages cover different content domains and are presented in a fixed order on every test:

• Literary Narrative (Prose Fiction) – An excerpt from a novel or short story, often focusing on characters and relationships. These passages are narrative in style. Example topics: a slice of life story, a fictional scene, or a personal memoir. The tone may be emotional or descriptive, and questions often ask about character motivations, themes, and implied meanings rather than just facts.
• Social Science – A passage about a topic in history, social studies, or related fields (e.g. anthropology, psychology, education, economics). These are usually factual or explanatory in tone, sometimes with a slight author opinion. They tend to have a clear structure with topic sentences and transitions. Example topics: an excerpt from a biography, a historical account, or a discussion of a social phenomenon.
• Humanities – A passage drawn from personal essays or memoirs on arts, literature, or philosophy. This might read like a first-person account or a reflective essay. The tone can be personal and expressive. Example topics: a writer’s reflection on their craft, a critique of a piece of art, or a memoir about cultural experiences.
• Natural Science – A passage about a scientific topic (biology, chemistry, physics, technology, etc.), often explaining research or discoveries. These passages tend to be information-dense with technical details, but usually presented in a logical, structured way. Example topics: an explanation of a natural phenomenon, a summary of a scientific study, or a description of an animal’s behavior. The author’s tone is typically neutral or reportive. Questions on these passages often require picking out specific details and understanding technical descriptions, with relatively few requiring you to read between the lines.

Each passage is accompanied by 9 multiple-choice questions, making 36 questions total in the section. The questions fall into various types, assessing both your understanding of what is explicitly stated in the passage and what can be inferred or implied from it. You can expect questions about the big picture (e.g. main idea or primary purpose of the passage) and plenty of questions about small details or specific lines. Typical ACT Reading question types include:

• Main Idea/Primary Purpose: Ask about the central theme or the author’s main point of the passage as a whole.
• Detail (Little Picture): Test your ability to find and understand specific facts or statements in the passage. These often begin with phrases like “According to the passage...” and have answers that must be directly supported by a line or two from the text.
• Vocabulary in Context: Ask for the meaning of a particular word or phrase as used in the passage. Even if you know the general definition of the word, the correct answer depends on the context and connotation in that passage.
• Inference: Require you to read between the lines and deduce something that isn’t stated outright but is supported by the information given. Inference questions might use words like “implies,” “suggests,” or “can be inferred.”
• Function/Development: Ask why the author included a certain detail or how a part of the passage functions in the whole. For example, “The author mentions X primarily to…?” or “What is the function of the third paragraph in the passage’s argument?”
• Author’s Tone or Perspective: These ask about the author’s attitude or viewpoint. For instance, you might be asked to identify the tone (e.g. critical, nostalgic, analytical) or to describe the narrator’s point of view.
• Comparative (for dual passages): When a passage is split into Passage A and Passage B, some questions will ask you to compare or contrast the two, such as “Both authors would likely agree on which of the following?” or “How would the author of Passage B respond to a claim made in Passage A?”

All these question types align with the reading skills the ACT wants to measure. In fact, ACT groups questions into broad skill categories: some focus on finding key ideas and details, others on understanding the author’s craft and structure, and others on integrating knowledge and ideas across texts. We will explore those categories next.

Content Covered by the ACT Reading Test

The ACT classifies Reading questions into three major reporting categories. Earning a top score means mastering all three of these skill areas. Here’s what they are and what they include (with the approximate percentage of questions for each):

Key Ideas and Details (52–60%)

This category covers the fundamental comprehension skills for understanding the core content of the passage. You’ll need to read texts closely to determine central ideas and themes, summarize information and ideas accurately, and understand relationships that are explicitly or implicitly described.

In practice, Key Ideas and Details questions will ask about things like:

• The main point or primary purpose of the passage (overall central idea).
• Important facts or details (who, what, when, where, why) directly stated in the text.
• Summaries or paraphrases of a paragraph or the entire passage.
• Relationships such as cause-effect, sequences of events, or comparisons drawn in the passage. For example, you might be asked about the sequence of historical events described, or the cause of a phenomenon as explained by the author.
• Inferences you can draw from the text about these ideas or details. Inference in this context means a logical conclusion based on evidence in the passage (even if not word-for-word stated). For instance, if a passage describes a character always checking the clock and pacing, one can infer the character is anxious or impatient, even if not explicitly stated.

In short, Key Ideas and Details questions make up the majority of the test and ensure you understood the passage’s content. To excel in this category, practice finding evidence in the text to support your answers, because correct answers will be grounded in specific lines or sections of the passage.

Craft and Structure (25–30%)

This category focuses on how the passage is written and the author’s choices in presenting the material. These questions ask you to examine the language and structure of the text, rather than just the content. According to ACT, Craft and Structure questions test your ability to:

• Determine the meaning of words and phrases in context – not just vocabulary definitions, but what a word or phrase means in that particular sentence or how it contributes to tone or meaning.
• Analyze an author’s word choice rhetorically – for example, why did the author choose a particular word or description? What is the effect of that choice on the reader’s understanding or the passage’s tone?
• Analyze the text’s structure – understanding how the passage is organized. You might be asked about the purpose of a specific paragraph or how a certain detail functions within the whole structure of the argument or narrative.
• Understand the author’s purpose and perspective – identifying why the author wrote the passage or a certain part of it. Is the author trying to inform, persuade, entertain, or describe? What is the author’s point of view or bias on the topic?
• Analyze the narrator’s or characters’ point of view in literary narratives – for example, understanding a character’s perspective or the narrator’s attitude toward the story.
• Interpret authorial decisions rhetorically – this could involve understanding metaphors, analogies, or why the author included a certain example or argument, and evaluating how those choices shape the reader’s interpretation.

Craft and Structure questions require you to think about why the author wrote something in a certain way. They often use phrasing like “The author’s use of the phrase ... serves to…” or “Why does the author mention … in paragraph 3?” or “Which of the following best describes the structure of the passage?” These are more analytical questions – you have to go beyond what is said to understand how it’s said and why. Mastering this category involves paying attention to the tone, word choice, and organization while you read, not just the facts.

Integration of Knowledge and Ideas (13–23%)

This category involves the highest-order skills on the ACT Reading: synthesizing and comparing information, and critical reasoning about the texts. Integration of Knowledge and Ideas questions often appear when dealing with multiple texts or adding new information. They require you to:

• Understand an author’s claims and arguments – identify the claims or conclusions the author is making.
• Differentiate between facts and opinions in the context of the passage – some questions might ask which statement is a fact vs. an opinion, or which claim is supported by evidence.
• Make connections between different texts that are related by topic (especially relevant for the paired passage). You might have to compare two authors’ viewpoints or find what idea is common to both passages.
• Analyze how authors construct arguments – for instance, evaluating the logic or effectiveness of an argument in a passage. A question might ask what evidence the author uses to support a claim, or which of four statements best strengthens or weakens the author’s argument.
• Evaluate the reasoning and evidence presented – you might be asked if an argument is well-supported or to identify an assumption underlying the author’s reasoning.
• Integrate information from multiple sources – occasionally a question might ask you to incorporate a detail from a second passage or a footnote or graphic with information in the main passage.

In short, Integration of Knowledge and Ideas is about combining information and thinking critically. For a perfect score, you must be comfortable handling questions that ask you to evaluate arguments or compare two different pieces of writing. These are often the toughest questions, since they go beyond simple recall or interpretation.

Visual and Quantitative Information in the Reading Section

Beginning in 2021, the ACT added the possibility of including visual or quantitative information in one of the Reading passages. This means that one passage may be accompanied by a graph, chart, or table relevant to the topic. For example, a Natural Science passage about climate change could include a small graph of CO2 levels over time, or a Social Science passage about demographics might show a table of census data.

When a passage includes a figure or table, some questions will ask you to integrate information from the graphic with information from the passage text to find the correct answer. These questions fall under the Integration of Knowledge and Ideas category, since they require combining two sources of information. The test will not assume you have specific outside math knowledge – the graphs or tables will be straightforward to read (labels, trends, etc.), and the question will guide you on what to find.

For example, you might see a question like: “Which of the following statements is supported by both the passage and the data in the graph?” Answering correctly means you have to check that the statement aligns with what the passage said and also matches what the graph shows.

Key tip for visuals: Treat the graphic as an extension of the passage. When you see a graph or table, quickly read its title, labels, and any note or caption. Identify what it’s showing – the variables and general trend. Then, when you hit a question about it, know that the correct answer must be consistent with both the text and the graphic. Don’t be intimidated by numbers or lines; you usually just need a rough comparison or to pick out one data point, not perform calculations. Keep in mind that visual info questions are still ultimately reading questions – they test if you can integrate and comprehend info, not math skills.

Strategies for a Perfect 36

Getting a perfect 36 means you can consistently answer almost every question correctly, within the time limit. This requires not just understanding the passages, but also using smart strategies to maximize accuracy and speed. Below are key strategies, broken down by different aspects of the test, to help you reach that top score:

Active, Efficient Reading

Don’t read passively. Active reading means engaging with the passage to pick up main points and key details on the first read, rather than just letting the words wash over you. Here are some techniques for active and efficient reading:

• Preview (Optional): Some students find it helpful to quickly glance at the blurb or introduction before the passage (this is the italicized info at the start that might mention the author or source). It can give context like, “This passage is adapted from a novel by X” or “an essay about Y.” This is optional, but can set the stage. Do not skip the introduction if there is one, as it sometimes contains useful context or definitions.
• Read for Structure and Main Ideas: As you read the passage, mentally note the structure. Identify the thesis or main point of each paragraph. Ask yourself: What’s the purpose of this paragraph? Is it an example, a counterargument, background info, a conclusion? Being conscious of the relationships between ideas will help you answer questions faster. Underline topic sentences or key phrases, or jot a one- or two-word summary next to paragraphs (e.g., “experiment results” or “childhood memory”). This makes it easier to find information later.
• Focus on Key Points, Not Minor Details: You do not have to memorize every detail in the passage – you can always look back for specifics. Instead, focus on understanding the main idea of the passage and the purpose of each part. Who is the main character or what is the main topic? What is the conflict or claim? If you encounter a tough sentence or a technical detail, don’t get bogged down trying to decipher it fully on the first read. Mark it and move on. Remember, you can refer back to the passage for detail questions, so use your initial reading to get the big picture and locate where important information is.
• Notice Transition Words and Tone: Transition words (however, therefore, moreover, etc.) and contrast words (but, yet, although) are road signs for understanding the logic of the passage. They signal shifts in argument or important relationships. For example, “However” indicates a counterpoint or contradiction is coming, “Therefore” signals a conclusion, and “For example” introduces evidence. Paying attention to these will help you follow the author’s reasoning. Also, take note of the author’s tone (positive, negative, neutral, excited, critical, etc.), especially in opinionated passages. Tone can be a clue to answers for perspective or inference questions.
• Use the Passage Actively During Questions: Treat the ACT Reading like an open-book test – the passage is right there for you to use. You should constantly refer back to it when answering questions. If a question asks about a detail, go back and find that detail in the text to verify the answer. If the question is more general (main idea or inference), use your understanding of the whole passage, but still double-check that the answer you choose doesn’t contradict any specific facts given. Top scorers rarely rely purely on memory; they confirm their answers with evidence from the passage whenever possible.

Active reading takes practice to do quickly. Initially, it might feel like you’re slowing down to annotate or consciously think about structure, but with practice it becomes second nature and saves time because you won’t have to re-read the entire passage for every question. The goal is to read once with high retention of the main ideas and a mental (or noted) roadmap of where details are, so you can then answer questions with minimal back-and-forth.

Understanding Question Stems & Eliminating Wrong Choices

Read the question stem carefully. Before jumping to the answer choices, make sure you know what is being asked. Is the question asking “According to the passage…” (meaning you need something explicitly stated) or “Which of the following can be inferred…” (meaning you need to read between the lines)? Words like “infer,” “suggests,” “implies,” “mainly,” “primarily,” “except,” and “not” are crucial. Underline or highlight these in the question. If a question says “Which of the following is NOT true according to the passage,” remember you’re looking for the one false statement among three true ones. Misreading the question is a common careless mistake that even high scorers must guard against.

Once you understand the question, predict or paraphrase an answer in your own words (especially for detail or inference questions) before looking at the choices. This helps you focus on what you need to find. Then, tackle the answer choices using process of elimination:

• Eliminate obviously wrong answers first. Often, one or two choices can be crossed out quickly because they clearly contradict the passage or are unrelated.
• Beware of trap answers. The ACT is notorious for using wrong answer traps that seem plausible. Typical traps include:
  • Too Specific or Too Narrow: The answer choice focuses on a minor detail or one example from the passage, but the question was about a broader idea. This commonly appears in main idea or primary purpose questions.
  • Extreme Language: The choice uses all-or-nothing words such as “always,” “never,” “completely,” or strong judgmental words that the passage didn’t use (like “brilliant” or “terrible” when the passage tone was neutral). These answers often go too far.
  • Out of Scope (Irrelevant Information): The answer brings in information or ideas not mentioned in the passage.
  • Misrepresented Detail (Distortion): The answer uses a detail or phrase from the passage but twists its meaning or context. This is the “familiar language” trap.
  • Wrong Tone or Perspective: A trap answer might reflect an opposite tone from the passage.
  • Half-Right, Half-Wrong: Some choices start out correct but end wrong. Every part of the answer must be correct.

Take the time to compare remaining choices after elimination. For a perfect 36, you must be detail-oriented: often two answer choices will both seem kind of true, but one will have a subtle flaw. Always ask, “Does this match the passage exactly? Can I point to where this is supported?” The correct answer will have clear support in the text or be a logical conclusion from it.

Finally, don’t forget to mark and move on if needed. If after some elimination you’re stuck between two choices and the clock is ticking, pick the one you think is best and circle the question number in your booklet (if paper) to revisit if time allows. It’s better to guess between two and possibly come back than to spend too long and not answer later questions. But with practice, you’ll get better at seeing the traps and zeroing in on the correct choice efficiently.

Time Management and Pacing Tips

Time management is often the biggest challenge on ACT Reading. You have 35 minutes for 4 passages – that’s an average of 8 minutes 45 seconds per passage if divided evenly. Here are strategies to maximize your time:

• Find Your Optimal Order: You don’t have to do the passages in the order given. Start with the passage type you are most comfortable with and save your hardest for last.
• Pacing Benchmarks: Set time checkpoints for yourself. For instance, after finishing two passages, roughly half the time (about 17–18 minutes) should be gone.
• Don’t Get Stuck – Keep Moving: If you hit a hard question that you can’t figure out in about 30–45 seconds, circle it and move on.
• Use the Dual Passage to Your Advantage: The dual passage can be time-consuming. A good approach is to read Passage A, answer its questions, then read Passage B, answer its questions, and finally do the comparison questions.
• Bubble Answers Efficiently: If you’re taking the paper test, it may save a few seconds to bubble in groups instead of one by one.
• Practice Under Real Conditions: Do full timed practice sections (or full ACT tests) regularly to develop an internal clock.

Remember, accuracy comes first – speed is useless if you’re missing questions. For a perfect 36, you likely need both: near-perfect accuracy and completion of all questions in time.

Approaching Dual Passages Effectively

One of the four Reading sections will be a paired passage set (dual passages). After reading them, you’ll face some questions about A alone, some about B alone, and a few about both. To conquer dual passages:

• Read and process one passage at a time. Don’t read Passage A and Passage B back-to-back without stopping. Answer Passage A questions while it’s fresh, then Passage B, then do comparison.
• Look for relationships: The paired passages are usually related by topic but might have different viewpoints. Note where they agree or disagree.
• Don’t be biased by the first passage: Treat each on its own terms.
• Answer every comparison question with evidence: Check that each part of the answer choice is true for both passages.

Many perfect scorers actually like the dual passages because the comparisons can be straightforward. With a methodical approach, you’ll handle them confidently.

Integrating Information from Graphics and Texts

If you encounter a passage with a small graph, chart, or table:

• Read the labels and note the trend: Identify what the figure is showing.
• Find the connection to the passage: How does the data relate to the text?
• Tackle visual questions by cross-referencing: Ensure the answer matches both the passage and the graphic.
• Don’t be intimidated by numbers: You usually just need a general sense or simple comparison.
• Check units and scales: Ensure you read the figure’s axes/labels correctly.

Avoiding Common Traps and Staying Focused

Keep your guard up for traps: Avoid falling for extreme answers, out-of-scope info, or distortions of the passage. Double-check all possible correct choices.

Stay focused during the passage reading: If you catch yourself daydreaming, reset and refocus. Use underlining or notes to maintain engagement.

Don’t let challenging words or concepts derail you. Look at context for clues. The test won’t require obscure knowledge that isn’t explained.

Manage test-taking anxiety and distractions: One question at a time. If a passage is boring or tough, be extra vigilant. You can do a quick mental break or stretch to refocus.

Use the test booklet to your advantage: Mark it up, underline question keywords, and keep track of your place.

Skip and return if needed: Don’t spend too long on a single confusing question. It’s better to guess and move on than to lose time for easier questions later.

Practice Strategies

Mastering the ACT Reading section requires effective practice and self-analysis. “Effective” means practicing under conditions that mimic the real test and learning from your mistakes.

Simulate Real Test Conditions

• Take Full Timed Sections: Regularly do timed ACT Reading sections (35 minutes for 40 questions) in one sitting.
• Simulate the Test Order: Reading comes after English and Math. Occasionally do full-length tests or at least English + Math before Reading to replicate fatigue.
• Use a Quiet, Distraction-Free Environment: No music, no phone notifications, just like real test conditions.
• Review Under Time Pressure: Practice doing single passages in ~8 minutes to get comfortable with pacing.

This helps build endurance so that the real exam feels familiar and manageable.

Analyze Mistakes and Improve Comprehension

After each practice test or section:

• Review Every Missed or Unsure Question: Identify why you got it wrong or guessed. Did you misunderstand the passage? Fall for a trap answer?
• Check Explanations: If available, read official or expert explanations to see if you missed key details.
• Keep an Error Log: Note question type, passage type, your wrong answer, and the correct one. Look for patterns over time.
• Reread Passages for Understanding: If you struggled on a passage, read it again (untimed) to see what you missed or misunderstood.
• Practice Specific Skills in Isolation: If inference questions are a weakness, do targeted drills on them.

Turn every practice session into a learning experience. By pinpointing your weaknesses and correcting them, you’ll steadily improve your score.

Read Beyond Test Prep Materials

To truly excel and aim for a perfect score, cultivate strong reading skills outside of test prep:

• Read a variety of genres: ACT passages span fiction, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Try reading short stories, essays, news articles, or science journals.
• Practice active reading with these materials: Summarize after each article, look up unfamiliar words, note the main argument, etc.
• Increase reading stamina: Work up to reading for 30+ minutes without losing focus or speed.
• Read academic writings: Articles from Scientific American, The Atlantic, Smithsonian, or similar can mimic ACT style.
• Enjoy literature: Even novels or non-fiction books for pleasure improve overall reading speed and comprehension.
• Stay informed: Read reputable newspapers or magazines to stay comfortable with a wide range of topics.

Over weeks and months, this broader reading habit will make standardized test passages feel easier and more familiar.

Sample Questions with Explanations

To illustrate the strategies and question types discussed, let’s go through some ACT-style sample questions. We will analyze each step-by-step, showing how to approach the question, eliminate wrong answers, and confirm the correct answer.

Sample Passage (for Questions 1–2):

Maria had always loved the library in her hometown. Now, after ten years away, she stood once again among its familiar shelves. As a child, she spent countless afternoons tucked in a corner reading fantasy novels, sparked by the librarian’s early encouragement. In fact, it was the librarian who first handed Maria a book that would ignite her passion and eventually inspire her career as a writer. Looking around at the sunlit reading room, Maria realized how profoundly this place shaped her life’s journey.

Question 1: Which of the following best describes the main point of the passage?

• A. Maria criticizes the changes that have occurred in her childhood library after many years.
• B. A writer reflects on how her childhood library played a pivotal role in inspiring her career.
• C. Maria visits her hometown library and is surprised to find it completely unchanged.
• D. The passage lists the different books Maria read as a child in the library.

Explanation (Question 1):

This is a Main Idea question. The passage focuses on Maria’s nostalgic reflection about how the library influenced her life and writing career. Choice B is correct because it matches that theme exactly. The other choices either introduce negative or inaccurate details (criticizing changes, being surprised it’s unchanged, or listing books), none of which the passage states.

Question 2: According to the passage, what role did the librarian play in Maria’s life?

• A. The librarian offered Maria her first job at the library.
• B. The librarian recommended a book that inspired Maria’s career.
• C. The librarian encouraged Maria to pursue a career in library science.
• D. The librarian introduced Maria to various writers through weekly book clubs.

Explanation (Question 2): The librarian “first handed Maria a book that would ignite her passion and eventually inspire her career as a writer.” That directly corresponds to option B. The passage never mentions a job, library science, or book clubs.

Sample Passage 2:

Dr. Lee’s study of butterfly migration patterns revealed a surprising result. The prevailing theory held that climate alone determined migration timing. However, Dr. Lee’s data showed that butterfly populations adjusted their migration based on food availability in their environment. She argues that these findings highlight the insects’ adaptability to changing conditions, suggesting that conservation efforts should consider multiple ecological factors rather than just climate.

Question 3: It can be reasonably inferred from the passage that the “prevailing theory” mentioned in line 2 was:

• A. not focused on climate factors at all.
• B. widely accepted by scientists before Dr. Lee’s study.
• C. centered on the idea that food availability is the only factor in migration.
• D. based primarily on outdated research data.

Explanation (Question 3): This is an Inference question. “Prevailing” suggests it was widely accepted. The passage states “The prevailing theory held that climate alone determined migration timing,” so B makes sense (most scientists believed it). A, C, D either contradict the text or introduce unsupported claims.

Final Tips and Mindset for Success

Achieving a top score on ACT Reading isn’t just about skills and strategies – it’s also about your mindset and endurance.

Building Endurance for the Reading Section

The ACT Reading section comes after a long English and Math test. Many students feel tired by the time they reach it, which can hurt focus:

• Practice full-length tests: Build stamina by taking complete practice exams (or at least English + Math before Reading).
• Back-to-back practice sections: Train your brain to handle multiple timed sections in a row.
• Get plenty of sleep regularly: Sustained good rest is essential for peak performance.
• Manage your energy during the test: Use breaks to stretch, hydrate, and refocus. Even a brief reset can help.

Staying Focused and Avoiding Fatigue During the Test

Stay in the moment: Don’t think about previous sections or upcoming ones. One question at a time.

Use physical strategies: Underline text, maintain good posture, do micro-breaks (close your eyes for a second) to reset your concentration.

Positive self-talk: Remind yourself you’ve prepared well. Confidence helps maintain momentum and clarity.

Fight monotony: Engage with the passage by asking “What is the author’s argument? Why did they write this?” to stay mentally present.

Avoid physical discomfort: Don’t slump or starve. Bring snacks for break time. Small details can impact focus more than you think.

Day-Before and Test-Day Best Practices

The Day Before the Test: Do a light review of strategies, but don’t cram. Gather materials (ticket, ID, pencils, watch), get to bed early, and relax.

On Test Morning: Eat a balanced breakfast, warm up mentally by reading something short. Arrive early to avoid stress.

Confidence and attitude: Go in believing you can do well. If you stay calm and apply your strategies, your score will reflect your hard work.

Even a perfect scorer might skip or guess on one unbelievably tricky question if it’s sucking time. The key is overall consistency – a single question isn’t worth sacrificing many easier ones.