ACT Exam Pattern 2023 - Marking Scheme, Duration, Section-wise Test Pattern

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Aarushi Jain
Updated on Feb 03, 2023 1:06 PM IST

The ACT Exam is a Computer Based Test (CBT) comprising four main parts: English, Reading, Maths, and Science. The fifth part ACT Writing (Essay) is optional. Unlike other CBT tests, the online ACT test is non-adaptive i.e the level of difficulty of the next question is not defined on the basis of the correct or incorrect answer to the previous question. 

The ACT Exam Pattern is well structured. Each ACT section is timed and has a definite set of questions. The duration of the ACT Exam is 2 hours 55 minutes excluding Writing (ACT) which lasts for 40 minutes. The total number of questions asked in the ACT is 215 with an additional question in the ACT writing (Essay) section. 

Table of Contents

  1. ACT Exam Pattern 2023: Quick Overview
  2. Section-wise ACT Exam Pattern 2023
  3. Marking Scheme of ACT 2023
  4. FAQs on ACT Exam Pattern
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ACT Exam Pattern 2023: Quick Overview

An aspirant must take note of all the salient features of the exam pattern mentioned below before applying for the test.

Mode of Exam

Paper-based (US)

Computer-based (Non-US)

Number of Questions

215 + 1 (Writing - optional)

Type of Questions

MCQ

Writing Question - Subjective

Duration

2 hours 55 minutes + 40 minutes (Writing - optional)

Medium of Instruction

English

Number of Sections

4 + 1 (optional)

Negative Marking

Not Applicable

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Section-wise ACT Exam Pattern 2023

The ACT is divided into four sections: English, Reading, Math, and Science. The writing portion is the fifth and final section, and it is completely optional. Candidates must pay an additional fee to take the writing section. They are also given an extra 40 minutes to complete the fifth component of the test. The ACT exam pattern is depicted here, section by part.

Test

Number of questions

Time limit

English

75 Multiple-Choice Questions

45 Minutes

Math

60 Multiple-Choice Questions

60 Minutes

Break

Reading

40 Multiple-Choice Questions

35 Minutes

Science

40 Multiple-Choice Questions

35 Minutes

Break

               Writing (Optional) 

1 Essay

40 Minutes

Marking Scheme of ACT 2023

ACT does not have negative marking which provides the candidates with the scope to attempt all the questions. Even if the candidates are unsure of an answer, they can make a smart guess as no marks will be deducted for incorrect answers.

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FAQs on ACT Exam Pattern

How many questions are asked in the English section of ACT?

The English section of ACT comprises 75 questions.

How many questions are asked in the Maths section of ACT?

The Maths section of ACT comprises 60 questions.

What is the duration of the ACT test?

The duration of the ACT test is 2 hours 55 minutes for MCQ questions. The writing section lasts for a duration of 40 minutes.

What are the topics asked in the ACT test?

English, Reading, Maths and Science are the multiple-choice questions asked in the ACT test. The subjective and option section is the writing section.

Into how many sections ACT test divided?

The ACT test is divided into 4 sections including one optional section.

Is there negative marking in the ACT test?

There is no negative marking in the ACT test.

What is the language of instruction of the ACT test?

The language of instruction of the ACT test is English.

What type of questions are asked in the ACT test?

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ’s) are asked in the ACT test including one subjective question.

How many questions are asked in the ACT test?

There are a total of 215 questions and 1 writing question (optional) in the ACT test.

What is the mode of the ACT test?

ACT is a Computer-Based and Paper-Based (for subjective question) test.

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