Free ACT Reading Question and Answers 2

Question 1

An ACT Reading passage describes a character who "smiled with her lips but not her eyes." What does this detail most likely convey?

Accepted Answer

The character's smile is insincere or masking her true feelings

Answer

The character is happy but tired

Answer

The character has a physical condition affecting her eyes

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The character is unfriendly toward everyone

Question 2

A social studies passage argues that urbanization leads to economic growth. Which of the following, if true, would most weaken this argument?

Accepted Answer

Several rapidly urbanizing countries have experienced higher poverty rates and increased inequality despite economic growth

Answer

Cities in developed nations have higher GDP per capita than rural areas

Answer

Urbanization increases access to education and healthcare

Answer

Urban areas typically have more diverse economies than rural areas

Question 3

In an ACT Reading passage about marine biology, the author states that bioluminescence serves "primarily as a predatory lure." What is the author's purpose in this passage?

Accepted Answer

To inform readers about the biological function of bioluminescence in deep-sea predators

Answer

To persuade readers to protect bioluminescent species

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To entertain readers with stories about glowing sea creatures

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To compare bioluminescence in land and sea animals

Question 4

A passage's second paragraph begins: "This theory, however, fails to account for several critical observations." What is the function of the word "however"?

Accepted Answer

To signal a contrast or shift — the paragraph will contradict or qualify what was said before

Answer

To indicate that the paragraph adds supporting evidence

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To introduce a new and unrelated topic

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To summarize the previous paragraph

Question 5

An ACT humanities passage quotes a 19th-century critic who called Impressionist paintings "mere sketches." Based on context, what does this quote reveal about the critic?

Accepted Answer

The critic viewed Impressionist work as unfinished and lacked appreciation for the style's intentional spontaneity

Answer

The critic admired the simplicity of Impressionist technique

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The critic was an Impressionist painter himself

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The critic's view was widely accepted by the public

Question 6

A passage states: "Unlike the accepted model, which predicts a uniform distribution, Field's data revealed clustering patterns in three distinct zones." What can be inferred?

Accepted Answer

Field's findings contradict the established scientific model

Answer

Field's data confirms the accepted model

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The accepted model has never been tested before Field's study

Answer

Clustering patterns are expected by most scientists