Ace ACT English with 6 expert tricks for higher scores

How to get a 36 on ACT English: proven tips, strategies, and study plan

Stuck in the low-to-mid 30s on ACT English, even after hours of studying. Many high-performing students hit a plateau because they focus on memorizing grammar rules instead of understanding how the test actually works.

The truth is, getting a 36 on ACT English isn’t about knowing everything, but about mastering the patterns, traps, and high-impact rules the test uses again and again.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• The most common ACT English traps (and how to avoid them)
• The highest-yield grammar rules to prioritize
• Time management strategies that boost accuracy
• How to practice for real score improvements

Key insights for a perfect ACT English score

• Knowing how the test tries to mislead you is just as important as knowing grammar rules
• Focusing on a few high-impact rules leads to faster score gains
• Spotting non-essential phrases (appositives) improves clarity and accuracy
• Strategic scanning and time management increase efficiency
• Practicing application, not memorization, drives real improvement
• The ACT English section is predictable, making it the fastest way to raise your score

Outsmarting ACT English traps

The ACT English section isn’t just testing grammar: it’s testing whether you can avoid being tricked.

Common trap answers to watch for

• Distractors: Answers that seem correct but introduce a subtle error
• “No change” traps: Sometimes the sentence is already correct: don’t overthink it
• Wordiness: Longer answers often sound smarter, but the ACT rewards clarity and concision

If you rely on what “sounds right,” especially based on informal speech, you’ll miss points.

How to avoid these traps

• Read carefully and don’t rush into answers
• Choose the simplest correct option
• Don’t change sentences unless there’s a clear reason
• Practice with real ACT questions to recognize patterns

Grammar and punctuation: The rules that matter most

Not all grammar rules are equally important. To improve your ACT English score quickly, focus on the highest-yield concepts.

Must-know ACT English rules

• Subject-verb agreement: Especially when the subject and verb are separated
• Comma usage: Know when to use commas for non-essential clauses
• Restrictive vs. non-restrictive clauses: Essential vs. extra information
• Semicolons and colons: Frequently tested and rule-based

Key strategy: Choose concision

When multiple answers are grammatically correct:
👉 The shortest, clearest option is usually correct

Try it yourself

Which sentence is correct?

A) The students, who studied all night, was exhausted.
B) The students, who studied all night, were exhausted.

Answer: B (“students” is plural, so the verb must be “were.”)

Using the appositive test for clarity and conciseness

Strong ACT English scores depend on clear, concise writing. One of the most useful tools is the appositive test.

An appositive is a phrase that renames a noun:

Marie Curie, a pioneering physicist, won two Nobel Prizes.

How to use the appositive test

1. Remove the extra phrase
2. Check if the sentence still makes sense

If it does, the phrase is non-essential and often unnecessary.

Example

A) The software update, which was released last week, fixed several bugs.
B) The software update fixed several bugs.

👉 If the release date isn’t important, B is better.

Important: Don’t remove details blindly, as sometimes they add useful clarity.

Time management and big picture scanning

To get a 36 on ACT English, you need both accuracy and speed.

What is big picture scanning?

Before diving in, quickly scan the section to:

• Identify easier questions
• Build momentum early
• Save harder questions for later

Why it works

• Boosts confidence early in the section
• Reduces time pressure
• Helps you allocate effort strategically

Students who preview the test tend to finish faster and make fewer mistakes.

Practice for application, not just memorization

Memorizing grammar rules isn’t enough. The ACT tests your ability to apply rules in unfamiliar situations.

How to practice effectively

• Use real ACT questions, not just flashcards
• Start with easier examples, then increase difficulty
• Focus on understanding why answers are correct

Try this technique: The silent read-through

1. Read the sentence carefully
2. Pause before looking at answer choices
3. Identify the rule being tested

This reduces careless errors and improves accuracy under pressure.

Why focus on ACT English first?

If your goal is to raise your overall ACT score, the English section is the fastest place to improve.

Here’s why:

• Predictable rules: The same concepts appear repeatedly
• Rapid improvement: Gains come faster than in Math or Science
• Lower stress: Clear structure makes it easier to master

By focusing on ACT English, you can quickly boost your composite score.

Key takeaways: Strategic mastery for higher scores

Getting a 36 on ACT English isn’t about guessing what “sounds right.” It’s about:

• Mastering high-impact grammar and punctuation rules
• Recognizing common test traps
• Writing with clarity and concision
• Managing your time strategically
• Practicing real application, not just memorization

The ACT English section is highly predictable, which makes it a huge opportunity.

With focused effort and the right strategies, you can break through score plateaus and reach a perfect 36.

FAQ: ACT English tips and scoring

Is ACT English the easiest section to improve?

Yes. Because it tests a limited set of rules, most students see faster improvement here than in other sections.

How many questions can you miss on the ACT English and still get a 36?

Typically, you can miss 0-1 questions, depending on the test curve.

What grammar rules are most tested on ACT English?

Subject-verb agreement, punctuation (especially commas), sentence structure, and concision.

Want to improve your ACT English score faster?

Start practicing with real ACT questions, focus on high-impact rules, and build a strategy, not just knowledge.

If you want a structured plan, consider using a guided ACT prep program or a grammar cheat sheet to accelerate your progress.