ACT Reading Practice Test

Passage I: Literary Narrative

When Elias arrived at the harbor before sunrise, the town seemed suspended between night and day. The fishing boats rocked gently against their moorings, and the lamps along the pier glowed faintly in the mist. He had not visited the harbor in nearly ten years. As a child, he spent entire summers there with his grandfather, who repaired nets and told stories that blurred the line between history and legend.

Now the place appeared smaller than he remembered. The warehouse that once seemed enormous looked ordinary. The path to the seawall felt shorter. Yet some details remained unchanged: the smell of salt, the cry of gulls, and the rhythm of waves against wood.

Elias walked toward the end of the pier and paused. His grandfather's workshop had been converted into a café. Through the windows he saw people drinking coffee and reading newspapers. For a moment he felt disappointed, as though a piece of his past had been erased. Then he noticed a framed photograph hanging near the entrance. It showed the workshop as it had once been. Beneath it was a plaque honoring local craftspeople who had worked along the harbor.

The sight surprised him. Perhaps the town had changed, but it had not forgotten. He stood quietly, watching the first rays of sunlight spread across the water.

Passage II: Social Science

Urban community gardens have become increasingly common in cities around the world. Supporters argue that these gardens provide more than fresh produce. They can strengthen neighborhoods by bringing residents together and creating shared spaces. Researchers have observed that people who participate in community gardening often report stronger social connections and greater satisfaction with their local environment.

Community gardens may also contribute to education. Schools sometimes partner with garden programs to teach students about nutrition, ecology, and responsibility. Students who grow vegetables themselves may become more interested in healthy eating habits.

Critics, however, note that community gardens require resources, including land, funding, and volunteer labor. In densely populated cities, available land is often limited. Some policymakers argue that the same space could be used for housing or commercial development.

Despite these challenges, many cities continue to support community gardening initiatives. Their popularity reflects a belief that public spaces can serve social as well as economic purposes.

Passage III: Humanities

Throughout history, public murals have served as a form of artistic expression. Unlike paintings displayed in private collections, murals are created in shared spaces where they can be viewed by broad audiences. Artists often use murals to celebrate cultural traditions, commemorate historical events, or inspire discussion about contemporary issues.

The meaning of a mural can change over time. A mural created to mark a local event may later become a symbol of community identity. In some cases, changing social attitudes lead viewers to interpret older works differently than earlier generations did.

Because murals exist in public settings, they frequently involve collaboration. Community members may contribute ideas, assist with planning, or help preserve completed works. This collaborative process can strengthen a sense of ownership and connection among residents.

Passage IV: Natural Science

For many years, scientists believed that sleep was largely a passive state. Modern research, however, has shown that the brain remains highly active during sleep. Different stages of sleep are associated with distinct patterns of brain activity, each contributing to important biological processes.

One area of study concerns memory. Experiments suggest that sleep helps consolidate information learned during the day. Participants who sleep after learning a task often perform better later than participants who remain awake for an equivalent period.

Sleep also appears to support physical health. During certain stages, the body releases hormones involved in growth and repair. Researchers continue to investigate the relationship between sleep and the immune system.

Although many questions remain unanswered, scientists generally agree that sleep plays a vital role in human well-being.