the PLAN
Subject Number of Questions Time Allowed
English 30 minutes
Usage/Mechanics 30
Rhetorical Skills 20
Math 40 minutes
Pre-Algebra/Algebra 22
Geometry 18
Reading 25 20 minutes
Science 30 25 minutes
English
The PLAN English Test measures your understanding of standard written English—punctuation, grammar and usage, and sentence structure (Usage/Mechanics)—and your understanding of the use of strategy, organization, and style in writing (Rhetorical Skills).
The test consists of four prose passages, each accompanied by a number of multiple-choice questions.
You receive a total score for the English test and separate scores (called "subscores") for Usage/Mechanics and Rhetorical Skills.
Math The PLAN Math Test measures your
mathematical reasoning. The test focuses on your ability to reason in math rather than on how well you have memorized formulas or can do involved computations.
The skills tested are those you learn in first- and second-year high school courses (pre-algebra, first-year algebra, and plane geometry).
Most of the questions emphasize content presented before the second year of high school.
You may use a calculator on the Math Test, as long as it's one of the approved kinds.
Reading
The PLAN Reading Test measures your reading comprehension by focusing on skills such as:
referring to details in a passage drawing conclusions making comparisons and generalizations The test consists of three prose passages: one in
the social sciences, one in the humanities (literature, history, philosophy, etc.), and one in prose fiction. Each passage is followed by several multiple-choice questions.
To answer the questions, you don't need to know information outside the passages, vocabulary taken out of context, or rules of formal logic.
Science The PLAN Science Test measures your scientific reasoning skills,
based on material that is typically taught in first- and second-year high school general science courses.
The material includes topics in biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, and meteorology.
The test presents five sets of scientific information, using three formats:
Data representation format (two sets)Graphs, tables, diagrams, etc. Research summaries format (two sets)Descriptions of several related experiments Conflicting viewpoints format (one set)Two or more interpretations that are inconsistent with one another
Several multiple-choice questions follow each set. To answer them, you must: understand the information provided examine critically the relationships between the information and the
possible interpretations generalize from the information in order to draw conclusions or make
predictions You may not use a calculator on the Science Test.
Tips for Doing Your Best
Get plenty of sleep the night before the test. Follow directions exactly, and don't be afraid
to ask questions. Mark your answer folder carefully. Fill in the
ovals neatly. Don't spend too much time on any single
question. For hard ones, choose the answer you think is best and move on.
Just like the ACT, there is no penalty for guessing. Be sure to answer every question.
Test-Taking Strategies
Pace Yourself There are time limits set on each test▪ The English, Reading and Science test contain
a considerable amount of text, it is important to pace yourself so you don’t spend too much time on one passage
Read the directions for each test carefully!
Before you begin the test, read the directions carefully!
The Science, English, and Reading Tests as for the “Best” answer. DO NOT respond as soon as you identify a correct answer – BUT THE BEST ANSWER!
The Math test asks for the “CORRECT” answer. Read each question carefully to make sure you understand the type of answer required.
Reread the question and consider all of the choices!
Read each question carefully!
It is important that you understand what each question asks. Some questions will require you to go through several steps to find the correct or best answer, while others can be answered more quickly.
Answer the easy questions first!
The best strategy for taking the test is to answer the easy questions and skip the questions you find difficult.
After answering all of the easy questions, go back and answer the more difficult questions is you have time.
DO NOT LEAVE ANYTHING BLANK! if you don’t know pick a letter and stick with the same letter for all the questions you don’t know!
Use logic on more difficult questions
When you go back to more difficult questions, try to use logic to eliminate incorrect answers to a question
Compare the answer choices to each other and how they differ
Such differences may provide clues as to what the question requires.
Eliminate as many incorrect answers as you can, then make an educated guess from the remaining answers
Answer EVERY question
Your score on the test will be based only on the number of questions that you answer correctly!
THERE IS NO PENALTY FOR GUESSING!
You should answer every question within the time allowed for each test, even if you have to guess.
Review your work
If there is time left after you have answered every question in a test, go back and check your work on that test.
Check to be sure that you marked only one response to each question
You will not be allowed to go back to any other test or mark responses to a test after time has been called on that test.
Should I guess?
Just like the ACT, there is no penalty for guessing. Be sure to answer every question.
Read all the possible answers before choosing one. Eliminate every answer you know is wrong, then pick the best one from those left.
How Do We Use the Plan
http://www.act.org/planstudent/score/measureup.html
