38–43% of scored questions
ACT English skill hub
ACT English Practice by Skill
The ACT English section has 50 questions in 35 minutes; according to ACT, 40 are scored and 10 are field-test questions. ACT reports English results in these categories: Production of Writing (38–43%), Knowledge of Language (18–23%), and Conventions of Standard English (38–43%).
50 questions35 minutesCounts toward the Composite
Reporting categories
Which ACT English skills should you practice?
| Category | Share of scored questions | Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Production of Writing | 38–43% | 3 questions with explanations |
| Knowledge of Language | 18–23% | 3 questions with explanations |
| Conventions of Standard English | 38–43% | 3 questions with explanations |
18–23% of scored questions
ACT Knowledge of Language Practice
Practice ACT Knowledge of Language questions on precise word choice, concision, redundancy, and consistent tone, with original questions and clear explanations.Open practice page38–43% of scored questions
ACT Conventions of Standard English Practice
Practice ACT Conventions of Standard English questions on sentence structure, punctuation, and usage, with original questions and step-by-step explanations.Open practice pageSection format
How is the ACT English section set up?
| Questions | 50 (40 scored, 10 field test) |
|---|---|
| Time | 35 minutes |
| Average time per question | About 42 seconds |
| What it measures | Revising and editing short texts and essays in different genres |
| Counts toward the Composite | Yes |
FAQ
ACT English questions
How many questions are on the ACT English section?
According to ACT, the English section has 50 questions in 35 minutes: 40 scored questions and 10 field-test questions that do not count toward your score. That averages about 42 seconds per question.
What are the ACT English reporting categories?
ACT lists these English reporting categories, with each one's share of scored questions: Production of Writing (38–43%), Knowledge of Language (18–23%), and Conventions of Standard English (38–43%). Your score report shows how many questions you answered correctly in each category.
Does ACT English count toward the Composite score?
Yes. According to ACT, the Composite score is the average of your English, math, and reading scores, rounded to the nearest whole number. Science and writing are optional and do not change it.
Are these real ACT English questions?
No. Every question on Dolphin's ACT English practice pages is original practice written to match an ACT reporting category. For released questions in the real test format, use ACT's free official practice tests.
More ACT practice
Practice the other ACT sections
Sources
Where these facts come from
- ACT: Understanding Your ACT Scores
- ACT: Test Enhancements and Changes
- ACT: Official test preparation and free practice tests
ACT facts checked . Every practice question in this hub is original Dolphin practice, not a released ACT item.
ACT® is a trademark registered by ACT, Inc., which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, Dolphin.