ACT Reading Passage Types to Know for ACT

The ACT Reading section features four main passage types: Prose Fiction, Social Science, Humanities, and Natural Science. Each type tests your comprehension and critical thinking skills, helping you analyze various texts and understand their broader implications in real life.

1. Prose Fiction

   • Typically includes short stories or excerpts from novels, focusing on character development, plot, and themes.
   • Requires understanding of narrative techniques, such as point of view, tone, and symbolism.
   • Questions often assess comprehension of character motivations and the implications of events within the story.
   • May include elements of conflict and resolution, requiring analysis of how these elements drive the narrative.
   • Encourages critical thinking about the author's purpose and the emotional impact of the text.

2. Social Science

   • Covers topics related to human behavior, society, and cultural dynamics, often drawn from psychology, sociology, or economics.
   • Emphasizes understanding of research methods, data interpretation, and the implications of social theories.
   • Questions may focus on the analysis of arguments, identification of biases, and evaluation of evidence presented.
   • Requires familiarity with key concepts and terminology relevant to social sciences.
   • Encourages students to think critically about societal issues and their broader implications.

3. Humanities

   • Encompasses a wide range of topics, including literature, philosophy, and history, often exploring human experience and values.
   • Requires analysis of texts for themes, arguments, and historical context, as well as understanding of cultural significance.
   • Questions may assess the ability to compare and contrast different viewpoints or interpretations of a text.
   • Encourages exploration of ethical dilemmas and philosophical questions, fostering critical thinking.
   • Involves understanding the influence of historical events on cultural and artistic expressions.

4. Natural Science

   • Focuses on topics related to biology, chemistry, physics, and earth sciences, often involving scientific concepts and principles.
   • Requires comprehension of scientific methods, experimental design, and data analysis.
   • Questions may assess the ability to interpret graphs, charts, and experimental results.
   • Encourages understanding of the relationship between scientific theories and real-world applications.
   • Involves critical thinking about scientific advancements and their impact on society and the environment.