PrepLion

Cheat sheet

ACT English cheat sheet

A condensed reference for the formulas, graph-reading rules, and must-know facts most worth reviewing before exam day.

Punctuation rules that appear the most

  • Comma: use it to set off nonessential info, after an introductory phrase, and before a FANBOYS conjunction joining two complete sentences. Don't split a subject from its verb.
  • Semicolon = period: it joins two complete sentences. If either side isn't a full sentence, a semicolon is wrong.
  • Colon: introduces a list or explanation and must follow a complete sentence.
  • Dash: sets off an interruption (a pair) or adds emphasis (single); a pair of dashes works like a pair of commas.
  • Apostrophes: its = possessive, it's = it is; plural nouns usually take no apostrophe. 'Whose' = possessive, 'who's' = who is.

Grammar & sentence structure

  • Subject-verb agreement: find the real subject; ignore phrases between it and the verb.
  • Pronoun agreement + clarity: a pronoun needs one clear noun it refers to, matching in number.
  • Verb tense stays consistent with the passage unless a time change is signaled.
  • Misplaced/dangling modifiers: the noun right after an opening phrase must be the thing that phrase describes.
  • Parallel structure: lists and comparisons must use the same grammatical form.

Rhetoric & style (production of writing)

  • Be concise: pick the shortest choice that is grammatically correct and keeps the meaning — cut redundancy.
  • Transitions: identify the logical relationship (contrast / cause / addition / example) before choosing the word.
  • Add/keep/delete questions: answer the stated purpose — does the sentence accomplish the writer's specific goal?
  • Placement questions: put the sentence where it keeps the paragraph's logic and pronoun references clear.
  • Match the tone and formality of the surrounding passage.

Practice this first: Conventions of Standard English - Grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure are the largest, most rule-based category — the fastest points.

Now put it to work - practice ACT English free

Reviewing the sheet is step one. Passers are usually hitting about 70-80% on realistic practice before test day, so the fastest way to know you are ready is to start answering real questions.