The ACT is a standardized test that is used for college admissions in the United States. The test is divided into four sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science. The English section of the ACT includes a writing test, and students are required to use a pencil to complete this portion of the exam.
The type of pencil that you use for the ACT can make a difference in your score. The best type of pencil to use is a No. 2 pencil. No. 2 pencils are made of soft graphite, which makes them easy to write with and erase. They are also dark enough to make your writing easy to read.
You should avoid using pencils that are too hard or too soft. Hard pencils can be difficult to write with, and they can smudge. Soft pencils can break easily, and they can leave behind too much graphite on the paper.
In addition to using a No. 2 pencil, you should also make sure that your pencil is sharp. A sharp pencil will make it easier to write neatly and accurately. You should also bring a spare pencil to the test in case your first pencil breaks.
Here are some additional tips for using a pencil on the ACT:
- Use a light touch when writing. This will help to prevent smudging and tearing the paper.
- Write in straight lines and avoid crossing out your mistakes.
- If you make a mistake, erase it completely and rewrite it.
- Don’t use a pencil with a built-in eraser. These erasers can be difficult to use and can leave behind smudges.
Pencil Types
There are many different types of pencils available, but not all of them are suitable for the ACT. The following are the most common types of pencils:
- Graphite pencils are made of a mixture of graphite and clay. They are the most common type of pencil and are available in a variety of grades, from soft to hard.
- Mechanical pencils have a metal body that holds a thin lead. The lead is advanced by clicking on the top of the pencil. Mechanical pencils are available in a variety of lead sizes, from 0.3mm to 0.9mm.
- Colored pencils are made of wax or oil and are available in a variety of colors. They are not suitable for the ACT because they are too soft and can smudge.
Pencil Grades
Pencil grades are determined by the hardness of the graphite. The higher the grade, the harder the pencil. The following are the most common pencil grades:
- HB is a medium-hard pencil that is suitable for most writing tasks.
- No. 2 is a soft pencil that is ideal for the ACT.
- No. 3 is a hard pencil that is suitable for writing on hard surfaces.
Pencil Sharpeners
The type of pencil sharpener that you use can also make a difference in your score. The best type of pencil sharpener to use is a manual pencil sharpener. Manual pencil sharpeners are more precise than electric pencil sharpeners, and they will produce a sharper point.
You should avoid using scissors to sharpen your pencils. Scissors can damage the pencil lead and make it difficult to write with.
Conclusion
The type of pencil that you use for the ACT can make a difference in your score. The best type of pencil to use is a No. 2 pencil. No. 2 pencils are made of soft graphite, which makes them easy to write with and erase. They are also dark enough to make your writing easy to read.
You should also make sure that your pencil is sharp and that you have a spare pencil in case your first pencil breaks. By following these tips, you can ensure that you have the best possible chance of success on the ACT.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best pencil to use for the ACT?
The best pencil to use for the ACT is a No. 2 pencil. No. 2 pencils are made of soft graphite, which makes them easy to write with and erase. They are also dark enough to make your writing easy to read.
What is the difference between a No. 2 pencil and a No. 3 pencil?
No. 2 pencils are softer than No. 3 pencils. This makes No. 2 pencils easier to write with, but it also makes them more likely to smudge. No. 3 pencils are harder than No. 2 pencils, which makes them less likely to smudge, but it also makes them more difficult to write with.
What type of pencil sharpener should I use?
The best type of pencil sharpener to use is a manual pencil sharpener. Manual pencil sharpeners are more precise than electric pencil sharpeners, and they will produce a sharper point.
What should I do if my pencil breaks?
If your pencil breaks, you should immediately replace it with a spare pencil. You should always bring a spare pencil to the ACT in case your first pencil breaks.