When you get stuck, spend about 20 seconds, eliminate what you can, mark or flag the item, guess, and leave. The next question is worth the same point. Staring is how English and Math fall apart in the last five minutes.
A 20-second script
- Cross off any choice you can kill.
- If two remain and you have a lean, take it.
- If you have no lean, pick a pre-chosen letter and move.
- Flag it. Do not rewrite the problem in the margin for two minutes.
By section
- English: if the grammar rule is not there, pick the shortest clear option and go. Finish English on time.
- Math: skip a multi-step item you cannot start. Come back if time remains. Running out of time on Math.
- Reading: answer from a line, not a vibe. If the line is not there, skip and return. Skipping a passage.
After you move on
Do not replay the miss during the next stem. That is anxiety, not review. Practice the script on homework so test day is muscle memory. Test-day anxiety, careless mistakes.
The bottom line
Stuck is normal. A system that spends 20 seconds and leaves is how you still finish the section.
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.