Question Types

What you'll learn

• Distinguish between stated information and reasonable inferences
• Use context clues to determine the meaning of unfamiliar or multiple-meaning words
• Eliminate inference answer choices that are too extreme or unsupported
• Practice the strategy of returning to the passage for evidence before selecting an answer
• Apply paired/dual passage strategies: read and answer each passage independently before tackling comparison questions

Key concepts

Inference questions ask what can be reasonably concluded from the passage. The answer is not stated directly but is strongly supported by the text. The correct inference is always conservative; if an answer choice uses extreme language ('always,' 'never,' 'completely'), it is usually wrong. Vocabulary-in-context questions give you a word and ask what it means in a specific sentence. The ACT loves testing common words with secondary meanings: 'grave' (serious, not just a burial place), 'check' (restrain, not just a bank check), 'sound' (reliable, not just a noise). Always substitute your answer back into the sentence to verify it makes sense. Paired (Dual) Passage Strategy: The ACT Reading section sometimes includes a paired passage set. Two shorter passages (Passage A and Passage B) on a related topic. The questions will ask about each passage individually and then about how the passages relate to each other. The best approach is: (1) Read Passage A first. (2) Answer the questions that refer only to Passage A. (3) Read Passage B. (4) Answer the questions that refer only to Passage B. (5) Finally, answer the comparison questions that ask about both passages. This prevents you from confusing details between the two passages. Key comparison signal words to watch for: 'both authors,' 'unlike the author of Passage A,' 'in contrast to,' 'similarly,' 'would most likely agree/disagree.' For comparison questions, focus on identifying each author's main claim and tone. The ACT typically asks how the authors' positions relate (agree, disagree, one qualifies the other's view, etc.).

Pro tips

• For inference questions, the correct answer is 'one small step' beyond what the text states. Not a giant leap.
• For vocabulary-in-context, cover the original word and read the sentence to predict the meaning before looking at choices.
• If two answer choices are close, return to the passage. The one with more textual support wins.
• For paired passages: read and answer each passage separately before tackling the comparison questions.
• Watch for comparison signal words: 'both,' 'unlike,' 'in contrast,' 'similarly'. These tell you a question is about the relationship between the two passages.