--- title: 6 skills you need to master for the ACT description: The ACT tests your English, Math, Reading, and Science skills—and it's important to prepare for precisely what’s on the test. Read on for 6 skills you should master as you get ready for the ACT, and download our 1-page guide. image: https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/students%20taking%20test.png --- [![arb-logo@2x](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/arb-logo@2x.png)](https://www.arborbridge.com/) - [Our Services](https://arborbridge.com/our-services/) - [Academic Support](http://arborbridge.com/academic-programs/) - [SAT](https://arborbridge.com/sat/) - [ACT](https://arborbridge.com/act/) - [Subject Tests](http://arborbridge.com/subject-test/) - [AP & IB](http://arborbridge.com/ap-ib/) - [ISEE & SSAT](http://arborbridge.com/isee-ssat/) - [GRE & GMAT](http://arborbridge.com/gmat-gre-programs/) - [TOEFL](https://www.arborbridge.com/toefl-prep/) - [About Us](https://arborbridge.com/about/) - [Library](https://testprep.arborbridge.com) - [Pricing](https://www.arborbridge.com/tutoring-pricing/) - [Academic Pricing](https://www.arborbridge.com/academic-pricing/) - [SAT Pricing](https://www.arborbridge.com/sat-pricing/) - [ACT Pricing](https://www.arborbridge.com/act-pricing/) - [Subject Test Pricing](https://www.arborbridge.com/subject-test-pricing/) - [AP & IB Pricing](https://www.arborbridge.com/ap-ib-pricing/) - [ISEE & SSAT Pricing](https://www.arborbridge.com/isee-ssat-pricing/) - [GRE & GMAT Pricing](https://www.arborbridge.com/gre-gmat-pricing/) - [TOEFL Pricing](https://www.arborbridge.com/toefl-pricing/) - [Contact Us](https://arborbridge.com/contact-us/) # 6 skills you need to master for the ACT ![Erin Ohsie-Frauenhofer](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/Erin%20OF.jpeg) by [Erin Ohsie-Frauenhofer](https://blog.arborbridge.com/author/erin-ohsie-frauenhofer) November 20, 2020 ![](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/students%20taking%20test.png) In broad terms, the ACT tests students' English, Math, Reading, and Science skills. However, if you've started studying for the exam, you know there's a lot more to it than that. Certain concepts and question types come up time and time again, and preparing for precisely what’s on the test is important if you want to perform your best. Read on for 6 important skills to master as you get ready for the ACT, and [click here](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/6%20skills%20you%20need%20to%20master%20for%20the%20ACT%20-%20ArborBridge.pdf) to download our 1-page guide. [![6 skills you need to master for the ACT](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hs-fs/hubfs/6%20skills%20you%20need%20to%20master%20for%20the%20ACT.png?width=610&name=6%20skills%20you%20need%20to%20master%20for%20the%20ACT.png)](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/6%20skills%20you%20need%20to%20master%20for%20the%20ACT%20-%20ArborBridge.pdf) #### **English** [Connecting clauses:](https://blog.arborbridge.com/how-to-properly-connect-clauses-act) Knowing which punctuation marks to use between clauses is one of the most frequent concepts you'll encounter on the ACT. After identifying the independent and dependent clauses within a sentence, make sure you know the rules for using periods, semicolons, colons, commas, and dashes between clauses. [Transitioning between ideas:](https://blog.arborbridge.com/approach-transition-questions-sat-writing-section) Read the whole sentence, both before and after the underlined portion. Ask yourself how the two ideas relate (contrast, support, cause & effect, or sequence). Pick the most succinct answer choice that connects the ideas accordingly. #### **Math** [Solving systems of equations:](https://blog.arborbridge.com/solve-systems-linear-equations-sat-math-section) Linear equations appear frequently on the ACT. Know how to use the substitution technique or the elimination method—whichever you’re more comfortable with—to find the solution to a system of linear equations. [Calculating percentages:](https://blog.arborbridge.com/deal-percentage-questions-act-math-section) While most students probably think that they have a pretty good feel for percentage questions, the ACT has a few tricky ways of testing percentages. Make sure to carefully translate the question prompt before setting up an equation and solving for a percentage. #### **Reading** [Identifying the author's purpose:](https://blog.arborbridge.com/how-to-answer-purpose-questions-act) Consider the tone and theme of the passage. Ask yourself two questions. First, what is the author trying to accomplish with this information? Second, what would the passage lose if this word, line, or paragraph were removed? #### **Science** [Making sense of conflicting viewpoints:](https://blog.arborbridge.com/how-to-make-sense-conflicting-viewpoints-passage-act-science) This is the only part of the ACT Science section where it’s necessary to read the whole passage. Don’t skip the introduction, and make sure to underline key information as you read each hypothesis. #### **Need more individualized advice?** The recommendations above are general suggestions. If you have specific questions, [**reach out to our experts here**](https://www.arborbridge.com/contact-us/). We’re happy to help in any way we can. #### ***About ArborBridge*** *ArborBridge is the global leader in innovative, digital, one-on-one tutoring. With nearly a decade of experience teaching students online, ArborBridge supports students of all kinds: home schoolers, AP students, test preppers, and more. Our tutors specialize in creating personalized plans and in providing compassionate support for students and families.* - ![](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/2020%20Assets/images/print.svg) - [![](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/2020%20Assets/images/facebook.svg)](https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/facebook?linkurl=https://blog.arborbridge.com/6-skills-you-need-to-master-for-act%2F&linkname=) - [![](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/2020%20Assets/images/twitter.svg)](https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/twitter?linkurl=https://blog.arborbridge.com/6-skills-you-need-to-master-for-act%2F&linkname=) - [![](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/2020%20Assets/images/linkedin.svg)](https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/linkedin?linkurl=https://blog.arborbridge.com/6-skills-you-need-to-master-for-act%2F&linkname=) ![Erin Ohsie-Frauenhofer](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/Erin%20OF.jpeg) [![](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/2020%20Assets/images/email.svg)](mailto:erin@arborbridge.com) #### About Erin Ohsie-Frauenhofer As one of the highest-performing tutors in ArborBridge’s history, Erin coaches tutors and develops tools and trainings to disrupt old habits and empower new strengths. With a Master of Arts in Teaching from Brown University, Erin worked as a classroom teacher and student services director prior to joining ArborBridge in 2017. Her decade of success as an educator has prepared her to ensure that programs are tailored to individual students’ needs. ## You also might like: [6 skills you need to master for the SAT](https://blog.arborbridge.com/6-skills-you-need-to-master-for-sat) [Social-emotional skills: monitoring goals & managing stress to support academic success](https://blog.arborbridge.com/social-emotional-skills-monitoring-goals-managing-stress-support-academic-success) [SAT & ACT Recommended Reading List](https://blog.arborbridge.com/sat-act-recommended-reading-list) [![footer-logo@2x](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/2020%20Assets/images/footer-logo@2x.png)](https://www.arborbridge.com/) 100 Main Street Suite #102 Port Washington, NY 11050 (917) 525-2548 info@arborbridge.com - [Our Tutoring Services](https://www.arborbridge.com/our-services/) - [Academic Support](https://www.arborbridge.com/academic-programs/) - [SAT](https://www.arborbridge.com/sat-programs/) - [ACT](https://www.arborbridge.com/act-programs/) - [AP & IB](https://www.arborbridge.com/ap-ib-programs/) - [ISEE & SSAT](https://www.arborbridge.com/isee-ssat-programs/) - [GRE & GMAT](https://www.arborbridge.com/gmat-gre-programs/) - [TOEFL](https://www.arborbridge.com/toefl-prep/) - [About ArborBridge](https://arborbridge.com/about/) - [Library](https://testprep.arborbridge.com/) - [Pricing](https://www.arborbridge.com/tutoring-pricing/) - [Contact Us](https://arborbridge.com/contact-us/) © 2026 ArborBridge, All rights reserved. - [Terms of Use](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/termsfeed-cookies-policy-pdf-english.pdf) - [Privacy Policy](https://blog.arborbridge.com/hubfs/privacy_policy.pdf)