Has the ACT recently changed its format? What’s different about the English and Reading sections?

Question

I’ve heard the ACT has recently undergone some major changes. What’s different now? Do the English and Reading sections have new timing, passage formats, or question types? If so, what should students know to prepare effectively for the updated test?

Answer 1

Hi there,

Here is the ACT English & Reading Updates 2024-2025 on What You Need to Know:

Key Changes to English & Reading Sections:

1. New Passage Topics
2. English: Added contemporary social issues (e.g., renewable energy, AI ethics) alongside classic grammar passages
3. Reading: 1 of 4 passages now graphic-heavy (infographics, charts paired with text)
4. Timing Adjustments
5. English: Still 45 mins/75 Qs, but more "time trap" questions requiring rhetorical strategy analysis
6. Reading: Reduced to 33 mins (was 35 mins) for same 40 Qs → 12% faster pacing needed
7. Question-Type Shifts
8. English: 20% now "Author's Intent" Qs (e.g., "Which choice best maintains the essay's skeptical tone?")
9. Reading: New "Cross-Passage Data" Qs compare info across text/graphics

3 Essential Prep Strategies for the New Format:

Graphic Literacy Drills: Practice extracting data from charts in <90 secs (I provide curated science journal exercises)

Tone Mapping: Annotate passages for mood shifts (my proprietary T.R.A.P. method)

Pacing Simulations: Take sections with 10% less time than allotted to build buffer

Why Students Choose My Updated ACT Program:

1. 2024-Curated Materials: All drills reflect the 15 new question subtypes
2. Real-Time Analytics: Spot weaknesses in rhetorical vs. grammar skills
3. Flexible Options:
4. Single "Format Update" intensive (3 hrs, $195)
5. Full prep package with 6 proctored exams

Limited Availability: First 5 students this month get free ACT Change Cheat Sheet

Message me and we can arrange a day and time to discuss this further!

Best Regards,

Aaron

Answer 2

The ACT has indeed recently undergone an overhaul. The test's overall duration has been reduced from 195 to 125 minutes total. That time does not include the writing or science sections. There are fewer questions and, therefore, more time per question. All math questions now have 4 multiple choice options as opposed to the previous 5 options. Finally, the science section is now optional.

Are you in search of an experienced tutor that won't break the bank? Look no further. Message me to schedule your first session today!

Answer 3

For purposes of the wise, it hasn't. The Digital ACT is a mess. Sign up for the paper test.