The right ACT Reading answer is usually a synonym swap of a line in the passage, not a new idea that sounds smart. If the passage says meticulous, the answer may say careful. If it does not say always, the answer should not say always. How to work a question is in how to answer ACT Reading questions.
Match the line, then the wording
Find the sentence the question points at. Put that sentence in your own words. Then look for the choice that says the same thing with different words. Extreme words that the passage never earned are a separate trap, in the extreme-language trap.
Vocab-in-context items are synonym swaps on a single word. The blank method for those is in blank the word first. Inference still has to rest on a line, in inference questions.
The bottom line
Right answers paraphrase. Wrong answers add a claim the passage did not make.
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.