Lesson 13.1: Per-Section Time Management

Introduction

In the context of the ACT, time management is crucial to convert your hard-earned knowledge and skills into a high score. This lesson focuses on how to effectively manage your time per section of the ACT test: English, Mathematics, Reading, and any optional sections. By adhering to specific time-per-question targets, you can maintain a steady pace and maximize your performance.

Learning Objectives

• Understand time-per-question targets for each section: English, Mathematics, Reading, and the optional sections.
• Develop checkpoint strategies to ensure you remain on pace during the test.
• Compute and follow a time budget specific to each section of the test.
• Detect and correct pacing issues using checkpoints throughout the test.
• Explain essential concepts and terminology related to per-section time management.

Section 1: Time Targets for Each ACT Section

English Section

The English section of the ACT consists of 75 questions to be completed in 45 minutes. This gives you an average of 36 seconds per question. However, this does not account for checking your answers or returning to previous questions.

Time Management Breakdown:

• Total questions: 75
• Time allocated: 45 minutes
• Average time per question: $ \frac{45 \text{ minutes} \times 60 \text{ seconds/minute}}{75 \text{ questions}} = 36 \text{ seconds/question} $

Strategy Example:

Aim to complete the first 30 questions in about 18 minutes. This allows you some buffer time for the latter questions where you may require more thought. After 18 minutes, check your progress; if you are behind, accelerate your pace or prioritize easier questions.

Mathematics Section

The Mathematics section consists of 60 questions that need to be completed in 60 minutes. This allocates an average of 1 minute per question.

Time Management Breakdown:

• Total questions: 60
• Time allocated: 60 minutes
• Average time per question: $ \frac{60 \text{ minutes} \times 60 \text{ seconds/minute}}{60 \text{ questions}} = 60 \text{ seconds/question} $

Strategy Example:

Consider splitting the section into three equal parts. Aim to answer 20 questions in 20 minutes. If you're progressing rapidly, you could spend extra time on more challenging problems toward the end, but always track your time.

Reading Section

The Reading section consists of 40 questions and is allotted 35 minutes, which means an average of 52.5 seconds per question. However, reading passages takes additional time, so adjusting accordingly is essential.

Time Management Breakdown:

• Total questions: 40
• Time allocated: 35 minutes
• Average time per question: $ \frac{35 \text{ minutes} \times 60 \text{ seconds/minute}}{40 \text{ questions}} = 52.5 \text{ seconds/question} $

Strategy Example:

Try to spend about 9 minutes on each passage, leaving you roughly 4 minutes for the questions related to each passage. If you find yourself running over time, selectively skip or guess on questions that are particularly time-consuming.

Optional Sections

If you choose to do the optional section (such as Writing), allocate your time accordingly. The Writing section typically has a time limit of 40 minutes to write an essay.

Time Management Breakdown for Writing:

• Total time allocated: 40 minutes

Strategy Example:

Plan to spend 5 minutes brainstorming and planning, 25 minutes writing, and 10 minutes editing your work. This structure ensures you produce a cohesive and well-structured essay while leaving room to catch any errors.

Section 2: Checkpoints to Stay on Pace

Having established time targets, it is essential to implement checkpoints. Checkpoints serve as moments during the test where you assess your current progress and adjust your pacing as needed. Here’s how to set up effective checkpoints:

Establishing Checkpoints

1. Identify Key Milestones:

Divide each section into smaller parts and set checkpoints after completing each milestone. For example, for the English section, checkpoints could be at every 15 questions.

1. Set Times for Checkpoints:

Determine approximate times for reaching each checkpoint based on the number of questions completed. Review and adjust your pace at each checkpoint based on your performance.

1. Adjust Strategies as Needed:

If you realize you're falling behind at a checkpoint, it might be time to skip a few questions or answer them on your way back if time permits.

Common Checkpoint Examples

• English Checkpoints: Every 15 questions. Check at 9 minutes (15 questions), then in increments thereafter (30 questions at 18 minutes, etc.).
• Math Checkpoints: Every 20 questions. Aim for 20 minutes to complete 20 questions.
• Reading Checkpoints: After each passage; target around 9 minutes to complete reading and the associated questions together for each.

Section 3: Computing a Time Budget

A time budget allows you to allocate your time more effectively across the various sections, ensuring you’re utilizing every moment efficiently. Here is how to compute a time budget:

1. Allocate Time Based on Total Questions: Recognize how much time is allotted per section and for each question, as already established throughout this lesson.
2. Determine Variables: Let’s call the total time for a section $T$, the number of questions $N$, and the time per question $Q$. The relationship can be expressed as: $ T = N \times Q $
3. Functioning of the Budget: Track your current position within the allocated budget as you progress through the test. A functioning budget will help prioritize questions based on this equation.
4. Evaluating Adjustments Based on Performance: Based on your movement through the budget, adjust your strategy at checkpoints. If you are $5$ minutes behind, consider revisiting lower-value questions that can be skipped or moved on from.

Section 4: Error Avoidance and Stress Management

Effective test-taking also involves managing potential errors and related stress. Here are some strategies to help avoid errant mistakes and manage test anxiety:

Error Avoidance Techniques

1. Double Check Work: Quickly review answers where time allows, focusing on common mistakes such as misreading questions or careless errors in calculations.
2. Skip and Return Strategy: If you find a question particularly challenging, mark it and return later. This approach prevents you from getting stuck and wasting precious seconds.
3. Educated Guessing: With no penalty for incorrect answers on the ACT, take an educated guess if you are running out of time. Don’t leave any question blank.

Stress Management Techniques

1. Practice Relaxation Techniques: Develop a deep-breathing or visualization practice to employ during the exam to keep calm.
2. Regular Practice with Timed Tests: Familiarize yourself with the pacing by taking timed practice tests, which will help reduce anxiety on test day.
3. Positive Mindset: Remind yourself of your preparation and trust your knowledge; this builds confidence leading into the test.

Conclusion

Time management on the ACT is not just about knowing the content; it's about applying disciplined strategies to utilize your time effectively. You need to be aware of the time-per-question allocations, set strategic checkpoints, compute a time budget, and manage stress while minimizing errors. By employing these strategies, you can transform your preparation into a successful performance on test day.

Study Notes

• Understand time-per-question targets:
• English: $36$ seconds/question
• Mathematics: $60$ seconds/question
• Reading: $52.5$ seconds/question
• Importance of checkpoints to assess pacing and adjust strategies.
• Establish a personal time budget for each section.
• Adapt strategies based on performance at checkpoints.
• Emphasize error avoidance and stress management techniques.