Identifying Central Ideas in Each Passage
What’s Tested:
- The main idea or thesis of each passage
- The central perspective of each author How to Build the Skill:
- Read Passage A and Passage B separately, pausing to ask: What is the author trying to say overall?
- Write a one-line summary for each passage before moving to the questions.
- Focus on tone and perspective—one may be analytical, while the other is opinionated or narrative. Sample ACT-Style Questions:
- What is the central idea of Passage A?
- The author of Passage B primarily argues that…
- How does the main idea of Passage B differ from that of Passage A?
Understanding Relationships and Contrasts Between Passages
What’s Tested:
- How the two passages relate (agree, disagree, build upon, refute)
- Points of similarity or difference in argument, evidence, or tone How to Build the Skill:
- Compare both summaries after reading: Do they agree? Are they looking at the same topic from different angles?
- Mark any direct references or rebuttals (e.g., “Some critics argue…”).
- Use a T-chart to list what Passage A and Passage B each say about key topics. Sample ACT-Style Questions:
- Which of the following best describes how Passage B responds to the ideas in Passage A?
- On what point do both passages agree?
- In contrast to Passage A, Passage B emphasizes…
Understanding Each Author’s Perspective and Purpose
What’s Tested:
- The tone, attitude, or stance of each author
- How each author interprets events, topics, or other viewpoints How to Build the Skill:
- Ask: Is this author objective, skeptical, enthusiastic, or critical?
- Look for value-loaded language (“unfortunately,” “pioneering,” “unjustified”) to find tone.
- Underline purpose statements like “In this essay, I argue…” or “The purpose of this study…” Sample ACT-Style Questions:
- Which of the following best describes the author’s attitude in Passage A?
- What is the author of Passage B’s purpose in referencing historical protests?
- Which statement best reflects the difference in tone between Passage A and Passage B?
Interpreting and Comparing Supporting Details
What’s Tested:
- Specific facts, examples, or references used in one or both passages
- How each author uses evidence to support their point
- Differences in the type or role of evidence (data vs. anecdote, objective vs. emotional) How to Build the Skill:
- Underline or mark supporting examples as you read—these are likely to be question targets.
- Ask: How does this detail support the author's main point?
- Practice noting whether evidence is scientific, historical, personal, or philosophical. Sample ACT-Style Questions:
- According to Passage A, what role did the arts play in the reform movement?
- Which example from Passage B best supports the idea that innovation comes from collaboration?
- How do the authors differ in the types of evidence they use to support their claims?
Summarizing and Synthesizing Across Both Passages
What’s Tested:
- Pulling together the main arguments of both passages
- Recognizing how they interact as a pair: agreement, debate, contrast
- Summarizing a shared topic with different viewpoints How to Build the Skill:
- After reading both, ask: What question are both authors trying to answer or respond to?
- Practice combining two perspectives into a neutral summary: “While Author A believes X, Author B argues Y.”
- Stay grounded in the passage content—don’t bring in outside knowledge. Sample ACT-Style Questions:
- Which of the following statements best captures the relationship between the two passages?
- How would the author of Passage A likely respond to the claims made in Passage B?
- What theme is common to both passages, despite their differing perspectives?