ACT Reading Practice Test

A passage describes a scientist who is known for conducting unconventional experiments. What might this suggest about the scientist's approach to research?

In a story, a character spends hours each day observing a garden. What might this behavior suggest about the character's state of mind?

A biography mentions that a leader was both revered and criticized for their decisions. What might be the best interpretation of this statement?

In a novel, a protagonist often reads books on philosophy and introspection. What might this suggest about the protagonist's character?

A narrative describes a bustling city where everyone seems to be in a hurry. What might be the underlying message about urban life?

In a historical text, a leader is described as "a lion in battle but a lamb at home." What does this metaphor suggest about the leader's personality?

An article discusses a scientist who spent decades researching a single topic. What does this imply about the scientist's approach to work?

In a novel, a character consistently avoids conflict and prefers peace. What might this behavior indicate about the character's worldview?

An essay describes a landscape painting that conveys a sense of desolation. What might be a key feature of the painting that contributes to this feeling?

In a story, a character frequently gazes out to sea, contemplating the horizon. What might this symbolize in the context of the narrative?

A biography mentions that an inventor had a "eureka moment" after years of failed experiments. What does this phrase suggest about the inventor's journey?

In a story, a character often talks about his childhood with great fondness and nostalgia. What does this suggest about the character's current life?

A novel describes a city that's always shrouded in mist and fog. What might this atmospheric detail indicate about the setting?

A passage describes a character who is constantly checking his watch and rushing through tasks. What might this behavior suggest about the character's mindset?

In a story, a group of friends embarks on a journey through a dense forest. What might the forest symbolize within the context of the narrative?

An autobiography describes a person who enjoys working alone and finds comfort in solitude. What might this reveal about the author's personality?

A novel features a character who often visits an isolated cabin in the woods to write poetry. What might this setting reveal about the character's approach to creativity?

In a narrative, a protagonist continually returns to a specific place in their hometown, despite having traveled widely. What might this repetition signify?

An essay describes a leader who frequently uses metaphors to explain complex concepts. What might this technique indicate about the leader's communication style?

A narrative mentions a family that has a tradition of gathering every weekend for a meal. What does this detail suggest about the family?

In a historical text, a military leader is described as "leading from the front." What does this phrase imply about the leader's style?

In a story, a character frequently gazes out to sea, contemplating the horizon. What might this symbolize in the context of the narrative?

In a passage describing a character's journey through a city, the author often uses descriptive language to emphasize the chaotic environment. Which of the following narrative techniques is most likely used to convey this sense of chaos?

An author uses metaphors throughout a passage to describe a challenging situation. What effect does this technique have on the reader's understanding of the context?

In a passage, an author uses irony to depict a character's actions. Which of the following best describes the purpose of irony in this context?

An author uses a repeated phrase at various points throughout a passage. This technique is most likely employed for which of the following purposes?

A passage contains a series of rhetorical questions. What is the most likely reason an author would use this technique in the context of an argumentative text?

In a passage, the author frequently uses parallelism. Which of the following best describes the effect of this technique on the structure of the text?

An author uses an unreliable narrator in a story. Which of the following is the most likely reason for employing this narrative technique?

In a passage, the author uses shifting perspectives to tell the story from multiple viewpoints. What is the main effect of this narrative approach?

A passage describes a sequence of events that seem unrelated but later connect in a significant way. What is the likely purpose of using this technique?

An author uses imagery extensively throughout a passage. What is the primary benefit of this technique for the reader's understanding of the text?

A passage employs a non-linear storytelling technique, where the events are not presented in chronological order. What is the most likely reason for using this narrative structure?

In a literary review, the author describes a character's journey as "a winding path through uncertainty and despair." What does the metaphor "a winding path" most likely suggest about the character's journey?

In a historical analysis of the Civil Rights Movement, the author cites a wide range of sources, including newspaper articles, interviews, and government reports. What is the primary benefit of this approach to the author's argument?

An author writing about technological innovation describes a particular invention as "a double-edged sword." What does this metaphor imply about the invention?

In an analysis of a political speech, the author notes that the speaker uses repetition to emphasize key points. What is the most likely effect of this rhetorical technique on the audience?

In a philosophical essay, the author uses the analogy of a "slippery slope" to describe a particular course of action. What does this analogy imply about the potential outcomes of this action?

In an article discussing climate change, the author uses the metaphor "the earth's thermostat is broken." What is the most likely reason for the author using this metaphor?

In a science article about genetics, the author uses the analogy of a "blueprint" to describe DNA. What does this analogy most likely suggest about the role of DNA in an organism?