On ACT English, commas and periods go inside the closing quotation mark. A colon or semicolon stays outside. The test is not asking you to invent dialogue. It is asking whether the punctuation around a quoted word is legal. The punctuation set is in ACT punctuation rules.
Inside versus outside
“Finish the section,” she said. The comma sits inside. She called the plan “too slow.” The period sits inside. A question mark stays inside only if the quote itself is the question.
Quotes are not a substitute for italics or for extra emphasis. If the sentence is not actually quoting, drop the marks. Extra information that is not a quote uses commas or dashes, in essential and nonessential clauses and parentheses.
The bottom line
Period and comma: inside the quote. Colon and semicolon: outside. If nothing is being quoted, take the marks out. End marks without quotes are in end punctuation.
Start practicing
Start with a free diagnostic, then drill your weak spots with 15-question quizzes and track how you're doing across Reading, English, and Math. Compare plans whenever you're ready to go further.
This article offers general ACT prep guidance. The ACT can change from year to year, including its format, scoring, policies, test dates, and fees, so always confirm the latest details on the official ACT website at act.org before you make decisions. ACT® is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc. thirty-six is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by ACT.