Annotate ACT Reading just enough to find structure: a two-word note per paragraph, a mark on names and shifts. Heavy highlighting is how people run out of the 10 minutes they needed for the questions. Paper testers pencil the margin. Digital testers use the highlighter and avoid painting whole paragraphs.
What to mark
- Purpose of each paragraph in two words.
- Contrast words (but, however, yet).
- Proper names and dates you will be asked to match.
What not to mark
Every adjective. Whole sentences in yellow. A novel in the margin. You still have to answer from the text: how to answer Reading questions.
Digital vs paper
Digital highlighter plus the line reader can replace margin notes. Learn them once: digital ACT tools. Passage-first vs questions-first is a separate choice: passage or questions first.
The bottom line
Light structure marks, then questions. If annotation eats the clock, cut it until you finish all four passages.
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.