44–52% of scored questions
ACT Reading skill hub
ACT Reading Practice by Skill
The ACT Reading section has 36 questions in 40 minutes; according to ACT, 27 are scored and 9 are field-test questions. ACT reports Reading results in these categories: Key Ideas & Details (44–52%), Craft & Structure (26–33%), and Integration of Knowledge & Ideas (19–26%).
36 questions40 minutesCounts toward the Composite
Reporting categories
Which ACT Reading skills should you practice?
| Category | Share of scored questions | Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Key Ideas & Details | 44–52% | 3 questions with explanations |
| Craft & Structure | 26–33% | 3 questions with explanations |
| Integration of Knowledge & Ideas | 19–26% | 3 questions with explanations |
26–33% of scored questions
ACT Craft and Structure Practice
Practice ACT Craft and Structure reading questions on word meaning in context, author's purpose, point of view, and structure, with explanations.Open practice page19–26% of scored questions
ACT Integration of Knowledge and Ideas Practice
Practice ACT Integration of Knowledge and Ideas questions: compare paired passages, weigh claims against evidence, and read a table with a text.Open practice pageSection format
How is the ACT Reading section set up?
| Questions | 36 (27 scored, 9 field test) |
|---|---|
| Time | 40 minutes |
| Average time per question | About 67 seconds |
| What it measures | Reading closely, reasoning logically, and integrating information from multiple sources |
| Counts toward the Composite | Yes |
FAQ
ACT Reading questions
How many questions are on the ACT Reading section?
According to ACT, the Reading section has 36 questions in 40 minutes: 27 scored questions and 9 field-test questions that do not count toward your score. That averages about 67 seconds per question.
What are the ACT Reading reporting categories?
ACT lists these Reading reporting categories, with each one's share of scored questions: Key Ideas & Details (44–52%), Craft & Structure (26–33%), and Integration of Knowledge & Ideas (19–26%). Your score report shows how many questions you answered correctly in each category.
Does ACT Reading count toward the Composite score?
Yes. According to ACT, the Composite score is the average of your English, math, and reading scores, rounded to the nearest whole number. Science and writing are optional and do not change it.
Are these real ACT Reading questions?
No. Every question on Dolphin's ACT Reading practice pages is original practice written to match an ACT reporting category. For released questions in the real test format, use ACT's free official practice tests.
More ACT practice
Practice the other ACT sections
Sources
Where these facts come from
- ACT: Understanding Your ACT Scores
- ACT: Test Enhancements and Changes
- ACT: Official test preparation and free practice tests
ACT facts checked . Every practice question in this hub is original Dolphin practice, not a released ACT item.
ACT® is a trademark registered by ACT, Inc., which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, Dolphin.