ACT Reading

Paragraph jobs on ACT Reading

October 7, 2026 · 5 min read

Each paragraph is doing a job: introduce, contrast, give an example, pivot, or conclude. Name that job before you pick a purpose answer. Structure skimming is in skimming for structure.

Ask what this block is for

“Which of the following best describes the function of the third paragraph” is not a trivia hunt. It is a job label. Lead with the stem so you know you need that job, in lead with the stem.

Big picture versus detail is in big picture versus detail. Question types as a set are in Reading question types.

The bottom line

Label the paragraph’s job. Answers that restate a fact from it are usually too small.

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