ACT Exam Syllabus 2025: ACT Exam Pattern, Topics, Subject-wise Weightage, Preparation Tips

• Updated on Aug 21, 2025 by Santana Banerjee

ACT Exam Syllabus 2025 covers three main sections: English, Math, and Reading, and optional Science and Writing sections. Candidates must attempt a total of 131 questions in 125 minutes. The English section consists of 50 questions, the Math section includes 45 questions, the Reading section has 36 questions, and the Science section (if opted) consists of 40 questions. Key topics of the ACT English section include grammar usage, sentence structure, punctuation, and rhetorical skills. The Math section covers Algebra, Functions, Geometry, Statistics, and Probability. Reading focuses on comprehension, analysis, and interpretation of passages.

In terms of high-weightage areas of the ACT Exam 2025, Algebra, Functions, and Geometry carry the most importance in the Math section. In Reading, Key Ideas and Details carries the highest marks. For English, candidates must focus on Conventions of Standard English, including grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation.

Table of Contents

ACT Exam Pattern 2025
ACT Exam Syllabus 2025: Subject-wise Topics & Weightage
ACT Exam Preparation Tips
ACT Exam Time Management Tips
Common Mistakes To Avoid In ACT Exam Preparation
ACT Exam Syllabus 2025 FAQs

ACT Exam Pattern 2025

The ACT consists of multiple-choice questions from subjects like English, Mathematics, and Reading, with optional Science and Writing sections. The composite score only reflects Maths, Reading, and English scores. If students take the Science Section, then they will get a separate Science score and a STEM score (Science and Math combined). Refer to the table below to check the section-wise question numbers, time, and skill tested in the ACT Exam 2025.

Sections	Number of Questions	Total Score	Test Duration (Minutes)	Skills Tested
English	50	40	35	Decision-making abilities to revise and edit short texts and essays in different genres.
Mathematics	45	41	50	Candidates' mathematical skills acquired in courses up to the beginning of grade 12.
Reading	36	27	40	The ability to read closely, reason logically about texts using evidence, and integrate information from multiple resources.
Science (optional)	40	34	40	The skills of interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving are required in biology, chemistry, Earth/space sciences, and physics.
Writing (optional)	1 essay	_________	40	Writing skills gained in high school English classes and entry-level college composition courses.

ACT Exam Syllabus 2025: Subject-wise Topics & Weightage

ACT, Inc. has designed the ACT Exam Syllabus in a way that it can measure a range of capabilities of candidates, such as grammar and mathematical reasoning, to reading comprehension and scientific analysis. Thus, it includes diverse topics for each section. For example, the Reading section mostly covers summarising information and ideas, drawing logical inferences, and understanding cause-and-effect relationships. Accordingly, the English section covers Knowledge of Language and Conventions of Standard English, and the Maths section includes Number & Quantity, Algebra, and Geometry. Check the following section to know the section-wise important topics and weightage.

ACT Maths Syllabus

In the Mathematics section, the questions are based on some graphs or charts. This part contains eight reporting categories, and these are as follows:

Categories of knowledge and skills	Weightage	Descriptions
Number & Quantity	7–10%	Demonstrate knowledge of real and complex number systems. Students will understand and reason with numerical quantities in many forms, including integer and rational exponents, and vectors and matrices.
Algebra	12–15%	Graph and model multiple types of expressions. Linear, polynomial, radical, and exponential relationships.
Functions	12–15%	Knowledge of function definition, notation, representation, and application. Linear, radical, piecewise, polynomial, and logarithmic functions.
Geometry	12–15%	Knowledge of shapes and solids, such as congruence and similarity relationships or surface area and volume measurements. Composition of objects, and solve for missing values in triangles, circles, and other figures, including using trigonometric ratios and equations of conic sections.
Statistics & Probability	8–12%	Centre and spread of distributions. Apply and analyse data collection methods. Understand and model relationships in bivariate data. Calculate probabilities.
Integrating Essential Skills	40-43%	Rates and percentages Proportional relationships Area, surface area, and volume Average and median Expressing numbers in different ways Solve non-routine problems that involve combining skills in chains of steps Applying skills in varied contexts Understanding connections Demonstrating fluency

ACT Reading Syllabus

The Reading section of the ACT Syllabus measures candidates’ abilities to read closely and reason logically about texts and use evidence. This section instructs candidates to determine main ideas, understand the sequence of events, make comparisons, and identify cause-and-effect relationships. The parts of the Reading section are given below:

Categories of knowledge and skills	Weightage	Descriptions
Key Ideas and Details	52–60%	Read texts closely to determine central ideas and themes. Understand relationships and draw logical inferences and conclusions. Understand sequential, comparative, and cause-and-effect relationships.
Craft and Structure	25–30%	Determine word and phrase meanings. Analyse an author’s word choice rhetorically. Analyse text structure. Understand the author’s purpose and perspective. Analyse characters’ points of view. Interpret authorial decisions rhetorically. Differentiate between various perspectives and sources of information.
Integration of Knowledge and Ideas	13–23%	Understand authors’ claims, differentiate between facts and opinions. Use evidence to make connections between different texts that are related by topic. Analyse how authors construct arguments, and evaluate reasoning and evidence from various sources.

ACT English Syllabus

The ACT English Test contains multiple essays or passages and a set of multiple-choice questions from each passage. This section allows a candidate to make decisions to revise or edit a text based on a variety of rhetorical situations. Let’s know about the contents of this section below:

Categories of knowledge and skills	Weightage	Descriptions
Production of Writing	29–32%	Topic Development: Understanding rhetorical aspects of texts. Identifying the purposes of parts of texts. Determining whether a text or part of a text has met its intended goal. Evaluating the relevance of material in terms of a text’s focus.
Production of Writing	29–32%	Organisation, Unity, and Cohesion: Logical organisation of texts. Smooth flow of texts. Effective introduction and conclusion.
Knowledge of Language	15–17%	Ensuring precision and concision in word choice. Maintaining consistency in style and tone.
Conventions of Standard English	52–55%	Sentence Structure and Formation: Structure and formation in a text, and make revisions to improve the writing.
		Punctuation: Recognise common problems with standard English punctuation and make revisions to improve the writing.
		Usage: Recognise common problems with standard English usage in a text and make revisions to improve the writing.

ACT Science Syllabus

The Science section measures candidates’ abilities to interpret, analyse, evaluate and their reasoning and problem-solving skills. It contains concepts of biology, chemistry, Earth/space sciences (geology, astronomy, and meteorology), and physics. Let’s know about its key topics below:

Categories of knowledge and skills	Weightage	Descriptions
Interpretation of Data	40-50%	This category asks candidates to manipulate and analyse scientific data presented in scientific tables, graphs, and diagrams.
Scientific Investigation	20–30%	Experimental tools, procedures, and design (e.g., identify controls and variables) and compare, extend, and modify experiments (e.g., predict the results of additional trials).
Evaluation of Models, Inferences, and Experimental Results	25–35%	Data Representation: Recognising relationships among data in tables and graphs. Interpolation and extrapolation. Translating tabular data into graphs.
		Research Summaries: Descriptions and results of one or more related experiments. Design of the experiments. Interpretation of experimental results.
		Conflicting Viewpoints: Two or more explanations for the same scientific phenomena. Understanding, analysis, and comparison of alternative viewpoints or hypotheses.

ACT Writing Syllabus

The writing section consists of a 40-minute easy test that measures the writing skills of candidates. This section contains a writing prompt that describes a complex issue, and candidates need to provide three different perspectives on the issue. It is scored on a scale of 2-12, and it does not reflect the composite score of the ACT Exam. Refer to the table below to know about the important topics on the ACT Writing section.

Categories of knowledge and skills	Descriptions
Ideas and Analysis	Ability to generate productive ideas and engage critically with multiple perspectives on the given issue.
Development and Support	Ability to discuss ideas, offer rationale, and bolster an argument.
Organisation	Organise ideas with clarity and purpose.
Language Use and Conventions	Ability to use written language to convey arguments with clarity.

ACT Exam Preparation Tips

For strategic preparation for the ACT Exam 2025, candidates generally need 3-6 months. During this period, they should solve the practice tests, focus on basic grammar and vocabulary, and revise mathematical concepts. Here are some key ACT Exam Preparation Tips 2025 to help candidates achieve a high score.

Prioritise high-impact topics and try to cover them first.
Use appropriate test preparation resources such as The Official ACT Self-Paced Course, Powered by Kaplan.
Join the Official ACT Live Online Course, powered by Kaplan, to learn from the expert teachers.
Take full-length practice tests and solve past years' question papers.
Use digital flashcards to memorise the concepts.
Take ACT Practice Tests for free at myACT account.

ACT Exam Time Management Tips

To attempt all of the questions in the ACT sections, candidates must learn how to manage time effectively. Some tips to manage time during the ACT Exam 2025 are given below:

Prioritise questions by difficulty: Tackle easy questions first to achieve quick points and then allocate the rest of the time for complex questions.
Take practice tests under timed conditions: Candidates are suggested to take at least two to three practice tests a week to improve speed.
Allocate time for guessing: The ACT Exam does not have a negative marking policy. So, candidates can allocate some time for guessing the answers to questions that are comparatively harder.

Common Mistakes To Avoid In ACT Exam Preparation

Consistency is key in ACT Exam Preparation. Thus, candidates need to focus on time management, mindfulness, and regular revisions. However, in some cases, candidates are found to lose the balance between ACT and board exam preparation. To overcome this, candidates can follow the tips below:

Create a different study schedule for both the ACT Exam and Board Exams.
Try to recall information using flashcards.
Do not overstress, as it may lead to decreased performance.
Do not rely on last-minute intensive test preparation.
Practice mock tests and full-length practice tests almost every day to maintain a consistent study habit.

ACT Exam Syllabus 2025 FAQs

What subjects are in the ACT Exam 2025?

The ACT Exam contains three mandatory subjects, such as English, Mathematics, and Reading, with optional Science and Writing sections.

What is the syllabus for the ACT Exam 2025?

The ACT Syllabus includes English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science sections, with a Writing section. The English section focuses on grammar, punctuation, and rhetorical skills. The Mathematics section includes topics like algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. The Reading section assesses comprehension and analysis of passages. The Science section emphasises data representation, research summaries, and conflicting viewpoints. Lastly, the Writing section evaluates the writing skills of candidates through an essay.

What are the total marks of the ACT Exam 2025?

Each section of the ACT exam has a total possible score of 36. This score is calculated from the average of the three main subject sections: English, Maths, and Reading. There are optional sections as well, such as the Science and Writing tests, but their scores do not affect the overall composite score.

What is the syllabus for the ACT Maths section?

The ACT Maths section covers concepts such as Number & Quantity, Algebra, Functions, Geometry, Statistics & Probability, Integrating Essential Skills, and Modeling.

What is the syllabus for the ACT English section?

The ACT English section includes topics such as Topic Development, Organisation, Unity, and Cohesion, Knowledge of Language, Sentence Structure and Formation, and Punctuation Usage.

What is the syllabus for the ACT Reading section?

The ACT Reading section includes areas such as determining main Ideas, Locate And Interpret Significant Details, Understand Sequences of Events, Make Comparisons, Comprehend Cause-Effect Relationships, Determine The Meaning of Context-Dependent Words, Phrases, And Statements, Draw Generalisations, Analyse the Author's or Narrator's Voice And Method, Analyse Claims And Evidence In Arguments and Integrate Information From Multiple Texts.

What is the syllabus for the ACT Science section?

The ACT Science section covers Interpretation of Data, Scientific Investigation, Data Representation, Research Summaries, and Conflicting Viewpoints.

What is the syllabus for the ACT Writing section?

The optional ACT Writing section includes topics such as Ideas and Analysis, Development and Support, Organise ideas with clarity and purpose, and Language Use and Conventions.

How to prepare for the ACT Exam 2025?

To prepare well for the ACT Exam 2025, candidates should solve the practice tests, focus on basic grammar and vocabulary, and revise mathematical concepts.

What are the most challenging topics in the ACT Syllabus?

Many students find the Maths section very challenging as they need to attempt 45 questions in 50 minutes. Within this period, they need to do calculations as well. So, time management is extremely important for the ACT candidates.