ACT study materials
ACT study resources

ACT practice questions

One question at a time. Build your ACT understanding.

First 50 of 200 questions. Each one lists the choices, the correct answer, and an explanation. The checker at the top of this page saves progress in this browser when it is available.

Continue in the practice tool above to load more questions, 50 at a time.

Question 1English

Choose the option that corrects the underlined portion, or select NO CHANGE if the sentence is already correct. My sister and me are planning a trip to the coast next summer.

  1. My sister and I are planning Correct answer.
  2. My sister and me are planning
  3. My sister and myself are planning
  4. Me and my sister are planning

Explanation

A subject pronoun is needed because the pronoun serves as part of the compound subject of the verb 'are planning.' 'I' is the subject form, while 'me' is the object form.

Question 2English

Choose the option that corrects the underlined portion, or select NO CHANGE if the sentence is already correct. The team of researchers have published its findings in a leading journal.

  1. has published their findings
  2. have published its findings
  3. has published its findings Correct answer.
  4. have published their findings

Explanation

The subject is 'team,' a singular collective noun, so it takes the singular verb 'has' and the singular pronoun 'its.' The intervening phrase 'of researchers' does not change the number of the subject.

Question 3English

Choose the option that corrects the underlined portion, or select NO CHANGE if the sentence is already correct. Walking through the museum, the paintings impressed the students enormously.

  1. the paintings were enormously impressive to the students
  2. the students impressed the paintings enormously
  3. the paintings impressed the students enormously
  4. the students were enormously impressed by the paintings Correct answer.

Explanation

An introductory participial phrase must modify the subject of the main clause. Since it is the students who are walking, the subject of the main clause must be 'the students.'

Question 4English

Choose the option that corrects the underlined portion, or select NO CHANGE if the sentence is already correct. The recipe calls for three ingredients: flour, sugar, and butter.

  1. ingredients; flour, sugar, and butter
  2. ingredients flour, sugar, and butter
  3. ingredients: flour, sugar, and butter Correct answer.
  4. ingredients, flour, sugar, and butter

Explanation

A colon properly introduces a list that follows a complete independent clause. The clause 'The recipe calls for three ingredients' is complete, so the colon is correct.

Question 5English

Choose the option that corrects the underlined portion, or select NO CHANGE if the sentence is already correct. The committee will announce it's decision tomorrow morning.

  1. it is decision
  2. its decision Correct answer.
  3. it's decision
  4. its' decision

Explanation

'Its' is the possessive form, which is required before the noun 'decision.' 'It's' is a contraction of 'it is' or 'it has.'

Question 6English

Choose the option that corrects the underlined portion, or select NO CHANGE if the sentence is already correct. Neither the manager nor the employees was aware of the schedule change.

  1. were aware Correct answer.
  2. is aware
  3. has been aware
  4. was aware

Explanation

With 'neither...nor,' the verb agrees with the nearer subject. The nearer subject 'employees' is plural, so the plural verb 'were' is required.

Question 7English

Choose the option that corrects the underlined portion, or select NO CHANGE if the sentence is already correct. She is the kind of student who always asks thoughtful questions, and who never settles for easy answers.

  1. who always asks thoughtful questions and who never settles Correct answer.
  2. who always asks thoughtful questions, and whom never settles
  3. who always asks thoughtful questions, and who never settles
  4. whom always asks thoughtful questions, and who never settles

Explanation

A comma should not separate two parallel relative clauses joined by 'and' when they share the same antecedent and no independent clause intervenes. Removing the comma keeps the compound relative clause intact.

Question 8English

Choose the option that corrects the underlined portion, or select NO CHANGE if the sentence is already correct. By the time the guests arrived, the hosts have prepared the entire meal.

  1. have prepared
  2. will have prepared
  3. has prepared
  4. had prepared Correct answer.

Explanation

The past perfect tense ('had prepared') is used for an action completed before another past action ('arrived'). The past perfect establishes the correct sequence of events.

Question 9English

Choose the option that corrects the underlined portion, or select NO CHANGE if the sentence is already correct. The novel, which was published in 1925, it remains a classic of American literature.

  1. published in 1925, it remains
  2. which was published in 1925, and it remains
  3. which was published in 1925, remains Correct answer.
  4. which was published in 1925, it remains

Explanation

The sentence has one subject, 'The novel,' so a second subject pronoun 'it' creates a redundant subject. Removing 'it' yields a grammatical main clause.

Question 10English

Choose the option that corrects the underlined portion, or select NO CHANGE if the sentence is already correct. The trail was steep, rocky, and it was narrow.

  1. steep, rocky, and narrow it was
  2. steep, rocky, and narrow Correct answer.
  3. steep, rocky, and was narrow
  4. steep, rocky, and it was narrow

Explanation

Items in a series should be in parallel form. 'Steep,' 'rocky,' and 'narrow' are all adjectives, so the list is parallel.

Question 11English

Choose the option that corrects the underlined portion, or select NO CHANGE if the sentence is already correct. Each of the contestants were given a number before the competition began.

  1. are given
  2. have been given
  3. were given
  4. was given Correct answer.

Explanation

'Each' is a singular indefinite pronoun, so it takes the singular verb 'was.' The plural noun in the prepositional phrase 'of the contestants' does not affect agreement.

Question 12English

Choose the option that corrects the underlined portion, or select NO CHANGE if the sentence is already correct. Between you and I, the proposal seems far too expensive.

  1. Between yourself and I
  2. Between yourself and myself
  3. Between you and me Correct answer.
  4. Between you and I

Explanation

A preposition such as 'between' takes object pronouns, so 'me' is correct rather than the subject form 'I.'

Question 13English

Choose the option that corrects the underlined portion, or select NO CHANGE if the sentence is already correct. The scientist who discovered the vaccine, she received a prestigious award.

  1. vaccine; she received
  2. vaccine, and she received
  3. vaccine received Correct answer.
  4. vaccine, she received

Explanation

The subject of the sentence is 'The scientist,' modified by the relative clause 'who discovered the vaccine.' The pronoun 'she' is redundant and should be removed.

Question 14English

Choose the option that corrects the underlined portion, or select NO CHANGE if the sentence is already correct. The two friends walked to the park, they sat on a bench and talked for hours.

  1. park; they sat Correct answer.
  2. park they sat
  3. park, and sat
  4. park, they sat

Explanation

Two independent clauses must be joined by a semicolon or by a comma plus a coordinating conjunction. A semicolon correctly separates the two complete clauses here.

Question 15English

Choose the option that corrects the underlined portion, or select NO CHANGE if the sentence is already correct. The report, that was released on Monday, criticized the agency's spending.

  1. which was released on Monday Correct answer.
  2. that was released on Monday
  3. it was released on Monday
  4. who was released on Monday

Explanation

A nonessential clause set off by commas is introduced by 'which,' not 'that.' 'That' introduces essential clauses without commas.

Question 16English

Choose the option that corrects the underlined portion, or select NO CHANGE if the sentence is already correct. Hoping to finish the project early, the deadline was extended by the team.

  1. the deadline, extended by the team
  2. the deadline was extended by the team
  3. the team extended the deadline Correct answer.
  4. the deadline had been extended by the team

Explanation

The introductory phrase describes the team, so the team must be the subject of the main clause. 'The team extended the deadline' makes that relationship clear.

Question 17English

Choose the option that corrects the underlined portion, or select NO CHANGE if the sentence is already correct. My brother he is the fastest runner on the team.

  1. My brother, he is
  2. My brother, he was
  3. My brother he is
  4. My brother is Correct answer.

Explanation

The subject 'My brother' already supplies the subject of the verb, so adding the pronoun 'he' creates a redundant double subject. Removing it produces a correct sentence.

Question 18English

Choose the option that corrects the underlined portion, or select NO CHANGE if the sentence is already correct. She is taller then her older sister by several inches.

  1. taller than Correct answer.
  2. more tall than
  3. tallest than
  4. taller then

Explanation

'Than' is the conjunction used for comparisons, while 'then' refers to time. A comparison of height requires 'than.'

Question 19English

Choose the option that corrects the underlined portion, or select NO CHANGE if the sentence is already correct. Everyone should bring their own lunch to the field trip.

  1. there own lunch
  2. their own lunch
  3. his or her own lunch Correct answer.
  4. they're own lunch

Explanation

In formal written English tested on the ACT, the singular indefinite pronoun 'everyone' agrees with the singular 'his or her.'

Question 20English

Choose the option that corrects the underlined portion, or select NO CHANGE if the sentence is already correct. The museum's new exhibit features artifacts from ancient Rome, Greece, and Egypt.

  1. from ancient Rome; Greece; and Egypt
  2. from ancient Rome, Greece and, Egypt
  3. from ancient Rome Greece, and Egypt
  4. from ancient Rome, Greece, and Egypt Correct answer.

Explanation

Items in a simple series are separated by commas, with a comma before the conjunction in the final item. The original sentence follows this pattern correctly.

Question 21English

Choose the option that corrects the underlined portion, or select NO CHANGE if the sentence is already correct. Having studied all night, the exam was still difficult for Maria.

  1. the exam was still difficult for Maria
  2. Maria still found the exam difficult Correct answer.
  3. the exam was found difficult by Maria
  4. the exam still being difficult for Maria

Explanation

The introductory participial phrase modifies Maria, so Maria must be the subject of the main clause. 'Maria still found the exam difficult' corrects the dangling modifier.

Question 22English

Choose the option that corrects the underlined portion, or select NO CHANGE if the sentence is already correct. The number of applicants to the program have increased sharply over the past decade.

  1. has increased Correct answer.
  2. have increased
  3. are increasing
  4. have been increasing

Explanation

The subject is 'The number,' which is singular, so it takes the singular verb 'has.' The phrase 'of applicants' does not change the number of the subject.

Question 23English

Choose the option that corrects the underlined portion, or select NO CHANGE if the sentence is already correct. Its important to read the instructions carefully before beginning.

  1. Its' important
  2. It important
  3. It's important Correct answer.
  4. Its important

Explanation

The sentence requires the contraction 'It's,' meaning 'it is,' before the adjective 'important.' The possessive 'its' cannot serve as a subject and verb.

Question 24English

Choose the option that corrects the underlined portion, or select NO CHANGE if the sentence is already correct. The author wrote the manuscript in longhand, she later typed it herself.

  1. longhand; she later typed Correct answer.
  2. longhand, she later typed
  3. longhand she later typed
  4. longhand, and later typed

Explanation

Two independent clauses require a semicolon or a comma plus a coordinating conjunction. The semicolon correctly joins the two complete clauses.

Question 25English

Choose the option that corrects the underlined portion, or select NO CHANGE if the sentence is already correct. Of the two proposals, the second one is the most practical.

  1. more practical Correct answer.
  2. the more practical
  3. the most practical
  4. most practical

Explanation

When comparing exactly two items, the comparative form 'more practical' is required rather than the superlative 'most practical.'

Question 26English

Choose the option that corrects the underlined portion, or select NO CHANGE if the sentence is already correct. The team of researchers, after months of careful analysis, <u>have concluded</u> that the hypothesis is supported by the data.

  1. NO CHANGE
  2. have been concluding
  3. concluding
  4. has concluded Correct answer.

Explanation

The subject is 'team,' a collective noun that is singular here, so the verb must be singular. 'Has concluded' is the singular present perfect form that agrees with 'team.'

Question 27English

Choose the option that corrects the underlined portion, or select NO CHANGE if the sentence is already correct. The scientist placed the sample in the centrifuge, <u>she then waited</u> for the separation to complete.

  1. then she waits
  2. and then waited Correct answer.
  3. NO CHANGE
  4. then waiting

Explanation

The original creates a comma splice, joining two independent clauses with only a comma. Using 'and then waited' correctly coordinates the two verbs under one subject.

Question 28English

Choose the option that corrects the underlined portion, or select NO CHANGE if the sentence is already correct. The report, <u>which was published last week, it</u> criticized the agency's handling of the crisis.

  1. which was published last week Correct answer.
  2. that was published last week it
  3. which was published last week,
  4. NO CHANGE

Explanation

The original repeats the subject 'it' after the relative clause, creating a redundant subject. Removing 'it' leaves a single subject 'report' with the verb 'criticized.'

Question 29English

Choose the option that corrects the underlined portion, or select NO CHANGE if the sentence is already correct. Neither the manager nor the employees <u>was aware</u> of the new policy.

  1. is aware
  2. has been aware
  3. NO CHANGE
  4. were aware Correct answer.

Explanation

With 'neither ... nor,' the verb agrees with the nearer subject, which is 'employees' (plural). Therefore, the plural 'were aware' is correct.

Question 30English

Choose the option that corrects the underlined portion, or select NO CHANGE if the sentence is already correct. The novel's protagonist, <u>whom the author based on her own grandmother</u>, is a seamstress in a small town.

  1. which the author based on her own grandmother
  2. whom the author based on her own grandmother's life
  3. who the author based on her own grandmother Correct answer.
  4. NO CHANGE

Explanation

The pronoun is the subject of the verb 'based' in the relative clause ('who based the character on her grandmother'), so the subjective case 'who' is required. 'Whom' is used only for objects.

Question 31English

Choose the option that corrects the underlined portion, or select NO CHANGE if the sentence is already correct. The training program <u>is designed to help employees which want</u> to advance their careers.

  1. is designed to help employees, which want
  2. NO CHANGE
  3. is designed to help employees who want Correct answer.
  4. is designed to help employees whom want

Explanation

The relative pronoun refers to 'employees,' who are people, so 'who' is correct. 'Which' is used for things, not people.

Question 32English

Choose the option that corrects the underlined portion, or select NO CHANGE if the sentence is already correct. The two sisters, <u>along with their cousin, was</u> responsible for organizing the reunion.

  1. along with their cousin, is
  2. NO CHANGE
  3. along with their cousin, were Correct answer.
  4. along with their cousin were

Explanation

The subject is 'sisters' (plural); the phrase 'along with their cousin' is a parenthetical and does not change the number of the subject. Thus, the plural 'were' is needed, and the commas should set off the parenthetical.

Question 33English

Choose the option that corrects the underlined portion, or select NO CHANGE if the sentence is already correct. The museum's new exhibit, <u>featuring artifacts from ancient Egypt, it</u> has attracted record crowds.

  1. featuring artifacts from ancient Egypt it
  2. which featuring artifacts from ancient Egypt,
  3. featuring artifacts from ancient Egypt, Correct answer.
  4. NO CHANGE

Explanation

The original repeats the subject with 'it' after the participial phrase. Removing 'it' leaves 'exhibit' as the sole subject of 'has attracted.'

Question 34English

Choose the option that corrects the underlined portion, or select NO CHANGE if the sentence is already correct. Hoping to finish the race, <u>the last mile was run by the exhausted runner</u>.

  1. NO CHANGE
  2. the exhausted runner ran the last mile Correct answer.
  3. the last mile was being run by the exhausted runner
  4. the exhausted runner running the last mile

Explanation

The introductory participial phrase 'Hoping to finish the race' must modify the subject of the main clause, which should be the runner. Only 'the exhausted runner ran the last mile' supplies the correct subject.

Question 35English

Choose the option that corrects the underlined portion, or select NO CHANGE if the sentence is already correct. My brother, <u>who lives in Seattle, he</u> works for a technology company.

  1. whom lives in Seattle,
  2. NO CHANGE
  3. who lives in Seattle, Correct answer.
  4. who lives in Seattle he

Explanation

The original repeats the subject with 'he' after the relative clause. Removing 'he' leaves a single subject 'brother' with the verb 'works.'

Question 36English

Choose the option that corrects the underlined portion, or select NO CHANGE if the sentence is already correct. She is the kind of person <u>who, when faced with a challenge, she never gives up</u>.

  1. who, when faced with a challenge, never gives up Correct answer.
  2. who, when faced with a challenge, she never gives up
  3. NO CHANGE
  4. whom, when faced with a challenge, never gives up

Explanation

The original inserts a redundant 'she' after the parenthetical phrase. Removing 'she' leaves 'who' as the subject of 'gives up.'

Question 37English

Choose the option that corrects the underlined portion, or select NO CHANGE if the sentence is already correct. Everyone <u>who attend</u> the workshop will receive a certificate.

  1. NO CHANGE
  2. which attends
  3. whom attend
  4. who attends Correct answer.

Explanation

'Everyone' is a singular indefinite pronoun, so the verb in the relative clause must be singular: 'attends.' 'Who' is correct because it refers to people.

Question 38English

Choose the option that corrects the underlined portion, or select NO CHANGE if the sentence is already correct. The musician, <u>along with her band members, have been</u> rehearsing for the tour.

  1. along with her band members, have being
  2. NO CHANGE
  3. along with her band members has been
  4. along with her band members, has been Correct answer.

Explanation

The subject is 'musician' (singular); 'along with her band members' is a parenthetical phrase that does not change the number of the subject. Therefore, the singular 'has been' is correct, and commas should set off the phrase.

Question 39English

Choose the option that corrects the underlined portion, or select NO CHANGE if the sentence is already correct. Having studied all night, <u>the exam was passed easily by the student</u>.

  1. the student passing the exam easily
  2. NO CHANGE
  3. the student passed the exam easily Correct answer.
  4. the exam was easily passed by the student

Explanation

The introductory participial phrase 'Having studied all night' must modify the subject of the main clause, which should be the student. Only 'the student passed the exam easily' supplies the correct subject.

Question 40English

Choose the option that corrects the underlined portion, or select NO CHANGE if the sentence is already correct. The number of applicants <u>have increased</u> significantly this year.

  1. have been increasing
  2. are increasing
  3. NO CHANGE
  4. has increased Correct answer.

Explanation

The subject is 'the number,' which is singular, so the verb must be singular: 'has increased.' 'A number of' would take a plural verb, but 'the number of' does not.

Question 41Math

A jacket originally priced at $80 is on sale for 25% off. What is the sale price?

  1. $65
  2. $20
  3. $60 Correct answer.
  4. $55

Explanation

A 25% discount removes 0.25 × 80 = 20 dollars from the price, so the sale price is 80 − 20 = 60 dollars. Equivalently, the buyer pays 75% of 80, which is 60.

Question 42Math

What is the slope of the line passing through the points (2, 3) and (6, 11)?

  1. 4
  2. 2 Correct answer.
  3. 8
  4. 1/2

Explanation

Slope equals the change in y divided by the change in x: (11 − 3)/(6 − 2) = 8/4 = 2. The line rises 8 units for every 4 units it runs to the right.

Question 43Math

If f(x) = 3x² − 2x + 1, what is f(−2)?

  1. 21
  2. 17 Correct answer.
  3. 13
  4. 9

Explanation

Substitute x = −2: 3(−2)² − 2(−2) + 1 = 3(4) + 4 + 1 = 12 + 4 + 1 = 17. Squaring the negative gives a positive 4, and the middle term becomes positive because of the double negative.

Question 44Math

What is the value of |−7| + |3|?

  1. 21
  2. 10 Correct answer.
  3. −4
  4. 4

Explanation

Absolute value gives the distance from zero, so |−7| = 7 and |3| = 3. Their sum is 7 + 3 = 10.

Question 45Math

A right triangle has legs of length 5 and 12. What is the length of the hypotenuse?

  1. 13 Correct answer.
  2. 60
  3. 17
  4. 7

Explanation

By the Pythagorean theorem, the hypotenuse satisfies c² = 5² + 12² = 25 + 144 = 169, so c = 13. This is a standard 5-12-13 right triangle.

Question 46Math

Which expression is equivalent to (x³)(x⁴)?

  1. 2x⁷
  2. x
  3. x⁷ Correct answer.
  4. x¹²

Explanation

When multiplying powers with the same base, add the exponents: x³ · x⁴ = x^(3+4) = x⁷. The base stays the same; only the exponents combine.

Question 47Math

The average of five numbers is 14. If four of the numbers are 10, 12, 15, and 16, what is the fifth number?

  1. 19
  2. 17 Correct answer.
  3. 13
  4. 15

Explanation

The total of all five numbers must be 5 × 14 = 70. The four known numbers sum to 10 + 12 + 15 + 16 = 53, so the fifth is 70 − 53 = 17.

Question 48Math

A circle has a radius of 6. What is its area?

  1. 36π Correct answer.
  2. 6π
  3. 12π
  4. 3π

Explanation

The area of a circle is A = πr². With r = 6, A = π(6)² = 36π.

Question 49Math

If 4x − 7 = 2x + 9, what is the value of x?

  1. 4
  2. 8 Correct answer.
  3. 16
  4. 1

Explanation

Subtract 2x from both sides to get 2x − 7 = 9, then add 7 to both sides to get 2x = 16, so x = 8. Checking: 4(8) − 7 = 25 and 2(8) + 9 = 25.

Question 50Math

The line 3x + 4y = 12 crosses the y-axis at which point?

  1. (3, 0)
  2. (0, 3) Correct answer.
  3. (0, 4)
  4. (4, 0)

Explanation

The y-intercept occurs where x = 0. Substituting gives 4y = 12, so y = 3, and the point is (0, 3).