If you are looking into comprehensive ACT English classes, Varsity Tutors offers several different ACT English courses that may help you improve your study skills. The ACT is a high-stakes exam that may be taken by high school juniors and seniors across the country to fulfill the standardized testing requirement on their undergraduate applications. It is divided into five distinct sections, each of which is designed to measure a test taker's skills in a different discipline. Students take the English section first, so it sets the tone for the entire exam. If you think an ACT English prep course could help you reach for your educational goals, reach out to us today to get the process started!
Why take the ACT?
The ACT is an important exam that may play a key role in your final college admission decisions. The purpose of this standardized test is to assess how prepared you are to continue on with your studies at the collegiate level. There are four required sections on the ACT, which cover English, Math, Reading, and Science. The exam also has an optional Writing response. The ACT's wide-ranging content means that you'll need to have a solid understanding of some of the most complicated things you studied in high school before you sit down to take your exam.
Does the ACT Have Any Signup Requirements?
There are few barriers to signing up to take the ACT. Although the vast majority of individuals who take the ACT are high school students, there is no age limitation for the exam. So, if you took some time off after high school and want to take the ACT after having already graduated, you're generally able to do so. However, it's important to note that some colleges only accept ACT scores that were earned while a student was in high school. If you find yourself in this situation, then you should check to see whether the college of your choice will accept your score before you start the in-depth test preparation process that is necessary when taking the ACT.
There are, however, a few test-day requirements that you should be aware of to avoid any delays in the processing of your score. First, you'll want to make sure that you bring your ticket with you to your testing center. If you don't bring your ticket with you, then you may not get your score as quickly as those who you're taking the ACT alongside. You'll also need to bring a valid photo ID, like one issued by a government agency or by your school. You won't be permitted to take the ACT without a valid photo ID so this is extremely important to remember. If you're unable to take your exam, then you'll have to wait longer to receive your score, and therefore, you'll also have to wait longer to submit your final application to the colleges you're interested in attending. You should also have a number 2 pencil, a watch to keep track of time, a permitted calculator for the Math section, and snacks to fuel yourself during your test breaks.
We Can Help You Prepare
Our ACT English prep courses come in two formats. You may choose to work with a knowledgeable instructor within a one-on-one learning environment, ensuring that any questions you have may be addressed in a timely manner. If you've ever spent time online searching for "ACT English tutoring near me", then you probably already know how effective the tutoring process can be.
When you sign up for "ACT English tutoring near me" with Varsity Tutors, then you'll be able to learn from an expert on this section of the ACT from an expert on it. Your instructor will be able to set you up with a customized lesson plan that is targeted with your growth in mind. You can save the hassle of having to go back over the material you already understand and instead focus on just the things that you still need to learn more about. This type of individualization in the learning process is hard to replicate through other academic settings.
Alternatively, you may enroll in an ACT English course consisting of a small handful of other students as well as your instructor. This fosters a collaborative learning environment, as you can help each other out, share test-taking strategies, and simply swap stories with students preparing for the same exam you are. Taking an ACT English class also gives you the chance to learn from an expert on this part of the ACT. You even will have the option of working with your ACT English course instructor in a one-on-one setting when you need additional help with a challenging topic. Taking an ACT English class is another solid way to pursue your test goals. When you sign up for ACT English classes with Varsity Tutors, you may enhance the quality of your overall test preparation process.
Breaking Down the ACT English Section
You will probably want to discuss the formatting of the exam regardless of the ACT English course that works best for you. The list below highlights some important facts:
ACT English Section Quick Facts
- Section Time - 45 Minutes
- # Questions - 75
- Scoring Range: 1-36
- English is the first ACT section that students face on exam day
- Students are given 5 writing passages and need to answer questions about underlined sentences and about larger portions or the whole passage.
The 75 questions you'll answer on this part of the exam are often broken into two distinct categories. The first category contains a total of 40 questions and focuses on a test-taker's language usage and mechanics. For example, 7 to 11 questions in this category will focus on punctuation. Thus, you'll need to have a solid understanding of things like dashes, semicolons, commas, and apostrophes. Another 11 to 15 questions in this category will focus on grammar and usage. For these questions, it's important to understand subject-verb agreement, verb forms, adjectives and adverbs, as well as pronoun agreement, among other things. Finally, this category of questions also includes 15 to 19 questions on sentence structure. This will focus on things like subordinate and dependent clauses, sentence fragments, and shifts in verb tense or voice.
The remaining 35 questions on the ACT English section are based on rhetorical skills. For example, there are 11 to 15 questions on adding, revising, or deleting sentences. This group of questions also focuses on assessing how a sentence fits into a larger piece of writing. This category of questions also has another 7 to 11 questions on writing organization. Finally, the last 11 to 15 questions on this section of the ACT focus on writing style. These questions will assess your ability to clarify vague or awkward written material, eliminate ambiguity, and write with clarity and effectiveness, among other things.
There is clearly a lot to learn before you can feel confident sitting down to take this section of the ACT. This may have already led you to search online for things like "ACT English tutoring near me". Instead of continuing to look up "ACT English tutors near me", why not simply contact Varsity Tutors today and let us help you develop a better understanding of these English topics?
Answering 75 questions within a 45-minute time frame can prove challenging, so you might want to work on time management strategies during your ACT English class. Many students who are interested in ACT English classes also take practice exams to get a sense of what the time available feels like, allowing them to budget it accordingly. Your ACT English course might also go over the directions of every section so you don't need to waste any time reading them on exam day. Your ACT English courses can even help you with things like strategies for dealing with any test anxiety that you may experience while taking your exam. You can use the strategies you learn in your ACT English prep course to deal with test anxiety whenever you experience it in the future, as well. This is another reason why ACT English courses could be a great addition to your study plan.
If you're more interested in the fundamental skills assessed by the ACT English section than the time management aspect of it, you might go over practice questions instead of an entire exam. The test frequently puts test-takers in the position of editing existing work for grammatical accuracy or clarity. Consider the question below as an example:
ACT English Sample Question
- The following statement is part of a full passage that is provided to the student:
- Having tried and failed, my father was unable to make a gardener of me.
- Which of the choices best emphasizes how much the father wanted his son to share his avid interest in gardening?
- NO CHANGE
- Because of my indifference to his hobby,
- Contrary to this thinking,
- Despite his repeated attempts,
- Which of the choices best emphasizes how much the father wanted his son to share his avid interest in gardening?
- Having tried and failed, my father was unable to make a gardener of me.
The bold answer is correct because it most clearly conveys how much the narrator's father wanted his son to share his interests. A private ACT English class allows you to study any topic you may wish to for any length of time - flexibility that few competing products can match. Should you run out of practice problems, your ACT English prep course instructor can provide more.
Thankfully, you get this flexibility with our ACT English course option as well. As touched on briefly above, all students attending a course have the option of scheduling one-on-one time with their ACT English class instructor, allowing them to address their unique areas of opportunity in a private learning environment as needed. Some students also opt for both one-on-one tutoring and an ACT English prep class to get the best of all worlds! Whether your preference is to take small, group-based ACT English prep courses, or to sign up for one-on-one work with an ACT English prep class instructor, you can easily get started with the option of your choice with Varsity Tutors.
All of our ACT English prep classes include instruction in our online classroom, making you feel like your instructor is sitting right next to you even if they are actually hundreds of miles away. This gives you all of the benefits of traditional, classroom-based ACT English prep courses with the convenience of being able to study your ACT English prep class coursework in the comfort of your home. This truly makes ACT English prep classes a unique way to pursue your test goals.
Who Takes the ACT?
Over 1.6 million students take the ACT each year. Each of the exam's four required sections are scored on a 1 to 36 point scale. Then, those scores are combined into one overall score. The average combined score for ACT test-takers is generally around 20.8. However, you may need to score higher than that depending on how competitive the admissions process is at the school you're most interested in attending. For example, the average ACT score for students accepted at Yale University is usually between 32 and 35. This average score indicates that the ACT is an extremely important part of the admissions process at many of the nation's top universities. Taking an ACT English class could help you get more out of your study sessions as you prepare to take your upcoming test.
If you would like to discuss all of the options available to you, Educational Directors are standing by to help explain all of the ACT English prep classes and ACT English course options Varsity Tutors offers. Signing up for an ACT English class, whether it be in a group setting or tutoring work gives you the chance to get more out of your study sessions. Do you think that you would benefit from this style of test preparation assistance? If so, then consider reaching out to us today. We can quickly get you started with the studying supplement that is the best match for your specific needs. We look forward to hearing from you and would love to help you pursue your ACT English goals!

Alex: Calumet City ACT English course instructor
...enjoyment and perspective for life's ups and downs. I began teaching in earnest over a decade ago when I taught ESL in South Korea. During that time and since, I've been fortunate to tutor students of all ages and in a variety of subjects. I received a BA in International Relations and Economics from the...
Education & Certification
- University of Wisconsin-Madison - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
- University of Wisconsin-Madison - Bachelor in Arts, International Relations
- University of Southern California - Masters in Business Administration, Finance
- University of Southern California - Masters in Business Administration, Real Estate
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Writing
- ACT Science
- ACT Reading
- +88 subjects

Jack: Calumet City ACT English course instructor
I'm a recent grad from Northwestern (B.A. in Theatre and Economics) who loves teaching and learning. I love helping other people achieve their goals and helping students find ways to be their best selves. Excited to meet and work with Chicagoland's students!... First sessions always start with discussion of a subject's foundations. If we nail these, the rest of the learning becomes ten times easier.
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelors, Economics/Theatre
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Reading
- ACT Math
- ACT Science
- +67 subjects

Mark: Calumet City ACT English course instructor
...rarity among science and math teachers. Throughout my youth I coached a swim team and have always gained an immense satisfaction from helping others. Tutoring is a win-win situation for both parties. The student becomes fluent and develops interest in a subject they have struggled with in the past and I gain from helping them...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Chicago - Current Undergrad, Bioengineering
- University of Illinois at Chicago - Current Grad Student, Bioengineering
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Writing
- ACT Reading
- ACT Science
- +37 subjects

Chelain: Calumet City ACT English course instructor
...to their learning process. I think I am talented at helping people understand topics by explaining each step, as necessary, to demonstrate how to go about solving a problem. My education has provided me with expertise in the biological sciences, medicine, math, statistics, english, writing, and test preparation, among other subjects. I have experience teaching...
Education & Certification
- Swarthmore College - Bachelors, Biology, Psychology
- Thomas Jefferson University - PHD, PhD: Molecular Pharmacology and Structural Biology; MD: Medicine. Currently a Resident in Radiation Oncology at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Completed Internship in Internal Medicine.
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Science
- ACT Reading
- ACT Math
- +90 subjects

Rushi: Calumet City ACT English course instructor
...of informal tutoring experience, I have developed the skills necessary to help others become successful. I enjoy the genuine process of developing a relationship with someone and cultivating that relationship, whether it be academic, personal, or professional. I enjoy working with others towards a common goal and helping all parties be mutually successful.
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Current Undergrad, Industrial Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Writing
- ACT Reading
- ACT Science
- +29 subjects

Yesha: Calumet City ACT English course instructor
...fantasy novels and Harry Potter, but I also like classics such as Dickens' books. I play French Horn and flute, and this summer I am teaching myself to play violin. I also dabble in photography, specifically landscapes. I don't play any sport competitively anymore but I do play recreational tennis and badminton.... My teaching philosophy is that every student can learn anything. Tutoring, and learning for that matter, takes patience and hard work. That's what I offer my students.
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Current Undergrad, Integrative Biology Honors/ Psychology
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Writing
- ACT Reading
- ACT Science
- +42 subjects

Meriam: Calumet City ACT English course instructor
...program at the University of Toronto in intensive Spanish and Arabic, before continuing on to medical school. I have also been tutoring numerous subjects for over 10 years, including Math, French, and Biology. I truly believe that it is with individual attention helps maximize one's full potential. Tutoring has shown me that everyone has the...
Education & Certification
- Loyola University-Chicago - Bachelors, Biology and French
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Writing
- ACT Reading
- ACT Math
- +63 subjects

Lee: Calumet City ACT English course instructor
...Math, Chemistry, Biology and Physics, so I can work with a student on more than one class at a time. I also have a lot of experience with test prep and love working with students who need help with standardized tests. I'm a laid back individual, but I like to push my students. I know...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Engineering
- Northwestern University - Master of Science, Biomedical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Science
- ACT Aspire
- ACT Math
- +41 subjects

Zhaleh: Calumet City ACT English course instructor
...knowledge with others, especially in one-on-one sessions, or with a small group. Teaching others is a great way to expand understanding of how other students think and develop ideas, and it allows myself to see new ways to look at problems. While I'm not studying (or helping my friends study), I love to play music...
Education & Certification
- Carnegie Mellon University - Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Writing
- ACT Reading
- ACT Math
- +35 subjects

Molly: Calumet City ACT English course instructor
...deep understanding of academic content and (2) an engaging, fun, authentic interaction with each subject area. Likewise, as a Teacher and Tutor, I focus on problem solving; developing real, concrete skills and strategies that students can put into their mental "toolboxes" for times that they are tasked with real world problems in school and in...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, History
- Northwestern University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Writing
- ACT Reading
- SAT Subject Test in United States History
- +111 subjects

Neha: Calumet City ACT English course instructor
...online. I have tutored students all around Chicago, from kindergarten through high school, towards academic success in all subjects. For me, tutoring is a personalized experience. As I work with students, I learn how to adapt to their needs, relate seemingly uninteresting topics to their life, and think outside the box to explain a concept...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Chicago - Bachelors, Biological Sciences
- University of Illinois at Chicago - Masters, Public Health
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Math
- ACT Science
- ACT Writing
- +21 subjects

Ruth: Calumet City ACT English course instructor
...I graduated from the University of Chicago in 2016 with a B.A. in English and Theatre. I then got my M.S.Ed from Northwestern. I have worked with children of all ages in various capacities, including teaching, and I find that the best way for students to learn is to have fun and engage them.... Learning is most effective when the student is having fun, and the best way to learn is to teach.
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Bachelor in Arts, English Lang./Lit. and Theatre and Performance Studies
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Math
- ACT Reading
- ACT Science
- +43 subjects

Ben: Calumet City ACT English course instructor
...as helping you achieve your goals in a way that's informed by how you grapple with facts, concepts and tests. I am a 2009 graduate of the University of Chicago in Statistics and Political Science. I have been a tutor for test prep (including ACT, SAT, LSAT and AP testing), academic and creative writing, and...
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Bachelors, Political Science and Government
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Reading
- ACT Math
- ACT Writing
- +81 subjects
Ayman: Calumet City ACT English course instructor
...high school students for over 5 years and I've been able to create different approaches based on the individual. I tutor math for 3rd - 12th grade, as well as the sciences. My favorite subjects to tutor are the ACT and SAT; this is because when I took the ACT, I saw a huge improvement...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Chicago - Bachelor of Science, Biological and Physical Sciences
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Writing
- ACT Science
- ACT Math
- +6 subjects

Anna: Calumet City ACT English course instructor
...from Northwestern University as part of the Honors Program in Medical Education. I attended the Bergen County Academies in New Jersey, a selective, application-based magnet school, for high school. I have tutored in various subjects for a number of years, particularly in English, Reading Comprehension, Biology, Essay Editing/Writing Support, and SAT/ACT test prep. I love tutoring...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelor in Arts, Anthropology
- Northwestern University - Doctor of Medicine, Biomedical Sciences
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Math
- ACT Writing
- ACT Reading
- +31 subjects

Nicholas: Calumet City ACT English course instructor
...at the University of Illinois in mathematics. I am most passionate about mathematics, and I love helping others learn and master the subject. In the past, I have tutored Calculus 1 and 2 and helped prepare students for the ACT. However, I am available to tutor any math subject as well as computer science. In...
Education & Certification
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities - Bachelor of Science, Mathematics and Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Writing
- ACT Reading
- ACT Science
- +23 subjects

Michael: Calumet City ACT English course instructor
...San Francisco. I am originally from the Chicagoland area. I love to cook, play piano and run long distance. Survivor and Game of Thrones are my favorite TV shows, but I normally watch content on YouTube. Looking forward to getting to meet and work together to get you where you want to be!
Education & Certification
- Washington University in St Louis - Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Reading
- ACT Writing
- ACT Science
- +40 subjects

Masooma: Calumet City ACT English course instructor
...students now face as well, and so I know what that feels like, and love to help guide others through it. Likewise, I truly understand where those confusions often lie, and--most importantly--how to best overcome those obstacles to reach the a proper understanding of the material at hand. A little bit more about me! I'm...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Chicago - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Science
- ACT Reading
- ACT Math
- +105 subjects

Nandini: Calumet City ACT English course instructor
...education, tutoring is an enjoyable way for me to give back to the academic community and help other students achieve their goals! I thoroughly enjoyed learning anatomy in both undergrad and PT school, and it is definitely a strong suit of mine. I have accumulated lots of helpful learning diagrams over the years!
Education & Certification
- University of Arizona - Bachelor of Science, Health Sciences, General
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Math
- ACT Reading
- ACT Science
- +51 subjects

Benjamin: Calumet City ACT English course instructor
...in French, Philosophy, Math and Physics due to the diverse range of my passions, and finally settled on the Humanities because it allowed me to study all of them at once. I am most passionate about teaching anything within the Arts (e.g. Literature), French language and culture, and the purer side of Mathematics, where the...
Education & Certification
- University of Louisville - Bachelor in Arts, Humanities
- University of Chicago - Master of Arts, Humanities
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Science
- ACT Math
- ACT Reading
- +48 subjects