Book excerpt: We want to help you succeed on the English, reading, and science portions of the ACT* "This book is a good read even if you don't have to take the ACT." -- Edward Fiske, author of the #1 bestselling college guide, the Fiske Guide to Colleges "The specific skills needed for the ACT, confidence building, stress-management, how to avoid careless errors ... this book has it covered!" -- Laura Frey, Director of College Counseling, Vermont Academy; Former President, New England Association for College Admission Counseling We've put all of our proven expertise into McGraw-Hill's Top 50 Skills for a Top Score. With this book, you'll master the essential skills identified by a prominent ACT instructor and add points to your score. You'll get focused instruction on these crucial skills, helpful exercises, pre- and posttests to check your weaknesses and progress, and two additional tests on the accompanying CD-ROM. With McGraw-Hill's Top Skills for a Top Score: ACT English, Reading, and Science, we'll guide you step by step through your preparation and give you the tools you need to succeed. Inside you'll find: 50 essential skills with step-by-step sample exercises A pretest to identify your weaknesses and a posttest to track your progress Two additional tests on CD-ROM Strategies to help you answer every type of ACT English, reading, or science item