ACT^® Reading Practice Test

Free ACT Reading Practice Test 2026

The Reading section of the ACT^® evaluates your ability to identify key ideas and details, understand a text’s craft and structure, and comprehend the integration of knowledge and ideas.

 
To help you prepare for this section of the ACT, this page contains everything you need to know, including what topics are covered, how many questions there are, and how you can study effectively.

Click “Start Test” above to take a free ACT Reading practice test!

What’s on the ACT Reading Section?

ACT Reading Practice Questions

One of the best ways to test your knowledge is by taking a practice test. Evaluate your reading skills by trying your hand at the three practice questions below!

Answer each question and read through the answer explanation, whether you got the answer right or wrong. This will help you ensure you’ve got the topic mastered.

Whether you struggled with these questions or aced them on your first try, be sure to take the full practice test to get a better idea of how prepared you really are!

1. Read the passage below before answering the question:

Read Passage

Since the beginning of our American history, we have been engaged in change—in a perpetual peaceful revolution—a revolution which goes on steadily, quietly adjusting itself to changing conditions—without the concentration camp or the quick-lime in the ditch. The world order which we seek is the cooperation of free countries, working together in a friendly, civilized society.

Excerpt from President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s State of the Union Address

According to the excerpt, what does Roosevelt’s view of American “change” involve?

A. Ending wars and the atrocities they cause so that all humanity can enjoy the freedom they deserve B.  Reform of social and financial systems so that all Americans are taken care of in the current generation’s lifetime C.  Establishing treaties with all other free countries for a peaceful global network D.  Gradual movement toward goals, adjusting as needed when conditions change Submit

This excerpt most clearly states this idea that America is evolving toward a better situation. FDR states that throughout US history “we have been engaged in change … a revolution which goes on steadily …” None of the other statements directly reflect this idea.

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2. Read the passage below before answering the question:

Read Passage

Even though classical mechanics does not supply us with a sufficiently broad basis for the theoretical presentation of all physical phenomena, still we must grant it a considerable measure of "truth," since it supplies us with the actual motions of the heavenly bodies with a delicacy of detail little short of wonderful.

Excerpt from Albert Einstein’s Relativity: The Special and General Theory

Which of the following choices provides the best meaning for the word truth as used in the excerpt?

A. Correctness regarding the abstract meaning of classical mechanics B.  Honesty regarding the movement of objects according to the rules of relativity C.  Validity regarding an understanding of the classical rules of motion D.  Exactness regarding the movement of small bodies on a coordinate plane Submit

The word truth was put in quotes because Einstein was referring to the understanding of the laws of motion we had before relativity, which did indeed seem to provide the correct answers for a great deal of physics questions. However, according to the other sentences around this word, we can conclude that it does not refer to an absolute truth because relativity turns classical ideas on their heads.

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3. Read the passage below before answering the question:

Read Passage

Marilla was not given to subjective analysis, but she wondered why she should feel so sorry at parting with Anne. She had never expected to grow fond of the child. Yet Anne had somehow slipped into her affections, and Marilla knew that the house would seem strangely quiet without her.

Excerpt from L. M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables

The excerpt most strongly suggests that Marilla:

A. believes Anne has deliberately tried to earn her affection B.  has become more attached to Anne than she expected C.  is eager to enjoy a quieter household after Anne leaves D.  regrets allowing Anne to stay in her home Submit

Marilla “never expected to grow fond of the child,” but Anne has nevertheless “slipped into her affections.” These details show that Marilla has developed a stronger attachment to Anne than she anticipated. Choice C contradicts Marilla’s sadness about Anne’s departure, while choices A and D are not supported by the passage.

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ACT Online Prep Course

If you want to be fully prepared, Mometrix offers an online ACT prep course designed to give you everything you need to succeed!

Here’s what you’ll find in the ACT course:

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By Peter Rench

Peter Rench joined Mometrix in 2009 and serves as Vice President of Product Development, responsible for overseeing all new product development and quality improvements. Mr. Rench, a National Merit Scholar, graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in mathematics from Texas A&M University.

Edited by Aaron Lanni

Aaron is the content manager and lead editor for Mometrix Academy. He regularly produces, updates, proofreads, and edits content to ensure it meets Mometrix’s quality and accessibility standards.

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