If you plan on taking the ACT soon, Varsity Tutors can help you prepare for its Reading section with an ACT Reading course. If you've ever spent time online looking up "ACT Reading help near me", then you may already know how effective it can be to work with an expert while preparing for an important exam. ACT Reading classes from Varsity Tutors give you control of your test preparation process. Your ACT Reading class can take place in a small group setting or through one-on-one ACT Reading class sessions. You can sign up for ACT Reading classes by getting in touch with us today. Or, if you'd like to learn more about how you may benefit from taking ACT Reading courses, then continue reading.
Why Take the ACT?
The ACT is a college admissions exam that is generally taken by high school students who are getting ready to apply to college. The test has four multiple-choice sections that cover the topics of English, Math, Reading, and Science. It also has a Writing section that is optional, so you won't need to complete it unless you decide to do so. However, many students do decide to respond to the ACT's Writing Prompt because it gives them an opportunity to showcase their writing skills to the colleges they'd like to attend.
At a broad level, the ACT Reading section was designed to assess your ability to understand complex passages and reason logically using evidence from these passages. Even if you already feel confident with your reading comprehension skill set, it can still be worthwhile to take an ACT Reading course to brush up on your abilities. Answering reading comprehension questions on an important test like the ACT is also much more challenging than simply understanding the material that you're reading in class or at home. Signing up for an ACT Reading class can help you develop the specific skills you need to feel confident while taking your exam. Instead of looking up "ACT Reading assistance near me", you can easily get started with an ACT Reading prep course by contacting Varsity Tutors today. This could be the addition to your study plan that you've been searching for.
Exam Requirements
When taking the ACT, there are few requirements that you need to be mindful of before signing up. For instance, even though the test is usually taken by high school students, you can be any age and still sign up to take the ACT. However, it's important to note that some colleges may not accept an applicant's score if they didn't earn it while in high school. This is rare, but you should check in with the schools you plan on applying to in order to make sure that you're score will count there.
The ACT does require test-takers to bring a valid photo ID to their test center on the day of their exam. This requirement can easily be satisfied by bringing along your driver's license if you have one, or by using your school ID card. You'll also need to bring your test ticket with you. Many proctors will let you complete the ACT without a test ticket but you may end up having a delay in receiving your final score if you forget yours at home.
You may also want to bring a few items with you to make your testing experience more comfortable. For example, bringing a watch is a good idea because it gives you the opportunity to keep track of the time yourself instead of relying on a test proctor to do so for you. You may also want to bring an approved calculator for the math section and extra number 2 pencils so you don't run into any issues if yours breaks while you're taking your exam. You could even bring a snack with you to keep yourself fueld when you get a break.
Breaking Down the ACT's Reading Section
As you get started with your ACT Reading preparation process, it's a good idea to spend some time upfront learning about the exam's format. Here's an overview of this part of your test:
ACT Reading Test Quick Facts
- Time Allowed: 35 Minutes
- # of Questions: 40
- Question Format: Multiple-Choice
- Directions
- Read the provided passages
- Answer questions about these passages. Read through the questions and answer choices carefully
- Look back to the passages while working through the questions to find/verify your answers
This section of the ACT will be split into four distinct sections, which each feature questions about a different reading passage. You'll generally read about topics like the humanities, fiction, natural sciences, and social studies. There are a variety of different question types that you may encounter while taking the ACT Reading section. For instance, detail questions simply ask you to find and interpret details in a piece of writing. Main idea questions ask you to find the main idea of a piece of writing or a paragraph within a piece of writing. Comparative relationships questions will ask you to compare the similarities and contrast the differences between different writing selections. You may also find cause-effect relationships questions on this part of the exam. These simply ask you to interpret a causal relationship within a piece of writing.
In addition to the question types listed above, you may encounter things like generalizations questions, which ask you to draw generalizations from a writing passage. There are also vocabulary-in-context questions, which ask you to identify the meaning of words within the context of a piece of writing. You may also be asked sequence of events questions that assess how well you're able to determine the order of events in a writing passage. Finally, the last commonly used ACT Reading question type is a category called author's voice and method questions. These questions will ask you to identify an author's style and point of view as well as the main purpose of a piece of writing or its sub-parts.
Clearly, there are a lot of things that you'll need to understand how to do before you sit down to take this section of the ACT. To get practice with each of these question types, you may want to consider taking practice exams or answering sample questions. However, these resources may not have much value if you do them without analyzing your responses. Taking a private ACT Reading prep course gives you the chance to get an expert's feedback on any practice problems you do. An ACT Reading prep course can, therefore, improve the efficiency of your learning process.
Below, you'll see an example of the types of questions you'll be asked on this exam:
ACT Reading Sample Question
- The following question is about a full sample written passage that is provided to the student:
- The point of view from which the passage is told can best be described as that of:
- a man looking back on the best years of his life as director of a community center in a strife-ridden neighborhood.
- a narrator describing his experiences as they happen, starting with childhood and continuing through his adult years as an advocate for troubled children.
- an unidentified narrator describing a man who devoted his life to neighborhood children years after his own difficult childhood.
- an admiring relative of a man whose generosity with children was widely respected in the neighborhood where he turned around a declining community center.
- The point of view from which the passage is told can best be described as that of:
For this question, the bolded statement is correct. Although you didn't have to reading passage to refer to for this question, you can get a sense of how difficult these questions can be to answer from simply viewing the different answer options that are available to choose from. Often, when taking difficult standardized exams like the ACT, you'll find that multiple answer options you're allowed to choose from sound like they could be correct. This is why it's so important to have a strong test preparation in place as you begin studying for your exam. A good instructor can show you how to tell the difference between answers that sound like they might be right and answers that are actually right.
Varsity Tutors Can Help You Prepare
Your ACT Reading prep course may take place in a group setting or individually depending on your preferences. If you decide to work with a group, you'll join your ACT Reading course instructor and a small group of classmates in a live virtual classroom. You'll be able to interact with your ACT Reading class instructor and the other students in your class just like you would be able to in a traditional ACT Reading class. Your ACT Reading prep class will also give you the option of spending some one-on-one time with your ACT Reading course instructor if you ever need extra help.
You may also be interested in ACT Reading prep courses that take place in a one-on-one setting. This option may be best for you if you place a premium on getting personalized feedback from your ACT Reading course instructor throughout each of your study sessions. ACT Reading prep classes keep the focus on your academic needs so you can get the guidance you need without having to go over material that you may already understand. Private ACT Reading classes are also often very flexible. So you can sign up to take ACT Reading courses without having to worry about how they'll impact your schedule. The level of individualization you can get through your ACT Reading courses is hard to match in other academic environments.
Your ACT Reading course can also help you develop better general test-taking skills that you can utilize on the ACT's other sections as well as on future exams. For instance, have you ever struggled with test anxiety? If so, the instructor leading your ACT Reading prep courses can show you tips to reduce test day anxiety. Your ACT Reading prep class teacher can also show you ways to improve your time management while taking exams. This point underlies the fact that the ACT Reading class you ultimately decide on pursuing will be flexible enough to accommodate your learning needs no matter what they are.
Who Takes the ACT?
The ACT is taken by over 1.6 million students each year. It is extremely popular because of the impact it can have on the college admissions process. For instance, "ACT Reading help near me" is a popular search term precisely because of how widely taken the ACT is. Each multiple-choice section on the test is scored on a scale ranging from 1 to 36, while the Writing section has its own scoring scale. The scores a student earns in each section are then combined to create an overall score. The average combined ACT score is typically around 20.8 but may vary depending on the year.
Are you interested in attending a prestigious university? If so, you may need to earn a higher combined score in order to do so. For example, students who get accepted into top tier universities like Harvard and Yale often have average ACT scores in the 32 - 35 point range. Getting a score like this will require a strong test preparation process, which you can find through ACT Reading prep courses. This is another reason why taking an ACT Reading prep class may be the right fit for your test preparation needs.
Getting Started
Performing well on the ACT could pay dividends in a variety of ways. It could help you get into the colleges you're most interested in attending. It could also help you qualify for more scholarship funds. However, the ACT Reading section may be challenging to prepare for without any guidance.
If you think you would benefit from taking ACT Reading prep classes, then you don't need to spend any additional time online searching for "ACT Reading help near me". Instead, get in touch with us today to get started with the right ACT Reading prep classes for your specific needs. Varsity Tutors can help you develop your own ideal study plan with an in-depth ACT Reading class or with one-on-one ACT Reading tutoring. We'd love to use our experience in the test preparation industry to help you get more out of your study sessions. We hope to hear from you soon and look forward to working with you.
Max: Centennial ACT Reading course instructor
...Colorado. I graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder top of my class, majoring in Political Science with minors in History and Spanish. I am fluent in Spanish and conversational in French, and have lived and worked in Spain, Mexico, Ecuador, Argentina, Colombia, and Chile. I am currently enrolled in the MPhil in Development Studies at the University of Oxford in the UK. My personal interests include any kind of sports or outdoor activities,...
Education & Certification
- University of Colorado Boulder - Bachelors, Political Science and Government
Subject Expertise
- ACT Reading
- ACT English
- IB History SL
- Spanish 3
- +51 subjects
Melissa: Centennial ACT Reading course instructor
...the best ways that we can improve it, and being a part of that for the young people of today is incredibly important to me. I have worked with students in a variety of environments, from outdoor education programs to traditional classroom teaching. I have a bachelor of science degree in secondary history and social studies education with a minor in women and gender studies. I currently teach middle school science, and I love it!...
Education & Certification
- Bradley University - Bachelor of Science, Social Studies Teacher Education
Subject Expertise
- ACT Reading
- Social Studies
- GED
- AP Human Geography
- +16 subjects
Dave: Centennial ACT Reading course instructor
Hello. I'm here to help. I'm a student at Champlain College completing a B.S in Computer Forensics. I was a Desktop Engineer before going back to school earlier this year. I enjoy learning and helping others to achieve their personal objectives in their own education. I've studied a lot more than Computers and hope that I can lend my experience to helping you develop your skills. ... Teaching is an experience, but learning is an adventure. Sometimes you may fall short or lose your path, but don't give up. If everything went easy it wouldn't be much of an adventure.
Education & Certification
- Champlain College - Current Undergrad, Computer Forensics & Digital Investigations
Subject Expertise
- ACT Reading
- ACT Math
- ACT Science
- SAT
- +27 subjects
Rohith: Centennial ACT Reading course instructor
I am quite passionate about education, since I feel it is the key to any sort of satisfying life. As the saying goes, knowledge is power, and knowledge can give you comfort and help guide you through a world that is often frustrating, convoluted, and dissatisfying. I have channeled this passion into teaching astronomy, which I majored in. I also taught some history and religion topics as head of a secular club in college.
Education & Certification
- University of Colorado Boulder - Bachelor in Arts, Astronomy
Subject Expertise
- ACT Reading
- ACT Writing
- ACT Residual
- ACT with Writing
- +37 subjects
Oliver: Centennial ACT Reading course instructor
...turn drives my passion for knowledge. I believe that successful tutoring involves assessing how a student learns and adapting my teaching style to best fit the needs of the student. In this manner a student can learn in a way that seems to come naturally and allows knowledge to flow more seamlessly. Fostering a passion for learning and encouraging growth as a successful student are my main goals as a tutor. Outside of the lab...
Education & Certification
- University of Colorado Boulder - Bachelors, Biochemistry and Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental Biology
Subject Expertise
- ACT Reading
- ACT Math
- ACT Writing
- ACT Science
- +79 subjects
Melissa: Centennial ACT Reading course instructor
...been tutoring for 6+ years. I am a certified teacher in English as a foreign language, certified to teach high school science abroad, and have developed my own independent program to teach elementary school children. I have tutored in all levels of algebra as well as geometry. I have 4 years of experience teaching biology, from AP/Honors level biology to 3rd grade level "Making Neuroscience Fun" programs. When students are struggling, the issue is more...
Education & Certification
- Johns Hopkins - Bachelor in Arts, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- ACT Reading
- ACT English
- ACT Math
- ACT Writing
- +49 subjects
Peter: Centennial ACT Reading course instructor
...with a computational emphasis alongside minors in Economics and Computer Science. Math and test taking are my two academic strong points, so I focus on teaching Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, and ACT / SAT Prep. I try to bundle a passionate approach with a focus on the principles to produce students who can think on their feet and attack any question with confidence. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, athletics (especially rowing), and...
Education & Certification
- University of Colorado - Boulder - Bachelor in Arts, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- ACT Reading
- ACT Science
- ACT English
- ACT Writing
- +42 subjects
Carson: Centennial ACT Reading course instructor
...on cultivating mutual respect with the students as well. The experience I gained from this position has shown me the underlying tenacity in young men and women to learn if the curriculum is tailored to their interests or presented with a novel perspective. Additionally, my ESL certification has granted me further opportunities to hone my teaching skills and techniques. I enjoy teaching a wide variety of subjects, but I gravitate towards English, Essay Writing, and...
Education & Certification
- University of Georgia - Bachelor in Arts, English
Subject Expertise
- ACT Reading
- ACT English
- ACT Math
- ACT Writing
- +51 subjects
JoAnn: Centennial ACT Reading course instructor
...writing. The art of literature and all that it encompasses can be a powerful tool in the discovery of one's self and others, for literature can open new doors to new worlds while at the same time validate one's own life and experiences. The art of writing can do the same; it is a source of self-expression and a window into someone else's world. Literature and the language arts are naturally holistic; they touch the...
Education & Certification
- Shepherd University - Bachelors, English Education
- Shepherd University - Masters, English Education
Subject Expertise
- ACT Reading
- ACT Writing
- ACT English
- ACCUPLACER WritePlacer
- +38 subjects
Michelle: Centennial ACT Reading course instructor
...minor in spanish. I am available for tutoring in math and science courses, as well as beginner spanish and ACT prep. In my tutoring experience, I have primarily worked with high school students in science and math courses, and have really enjoyed the opportunity to encourage enthusiasm for their classes during these sessions. I work to help my students understand the material at a conceptual level so that they can build upon what they have...
Education & Certification
- Trinity University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- ACT Reading
- ACT English
- ACT Math
- ACT Science
- +33 subjects
Jim: Centennial ACT Reading course instructor
...at least two grades below grade level. Thats when I decided to pursue a Masters in Reading to address the problem. I tutored K12 (all subjects) for three years to master the methodology I gleaned from professors before returning to the classroom. Since teaching is an art, I consider my instructional philosophy to be versatility in motion because learning styles and progress vary accordingly. Indeed, if I hadn't had the passion to empower students to...
Education & Certification
- Illinois State University - Bachelors, English
- Illinois State University - Masters, Education
Subject Expertise
- ACT Reading
- ACT English
- ACT Writing
- Elementary School Math
- +57 subjects
Hannah: Centennial ACT Reading course instructor
...I would one day love to become a Pediatric dentist! I absolutely love working with kids and I think that becoming a teacher/tutor can be a valuable tool to one day use in my practice. Although I have a strong background in math and science, I also love to read and even dabble in some Spanish. I can work with all age groups and I think every student can teach me something as well! Learning...
Education & Certification
- University of Colorado Boulder - Bachelors, Integrative Physiology
- University of Colorado Denver - Current Grad Student, School of Dental Medicine
Subject Expertise
- ACT Reading
- ACT Science
- ACT English
- ACT Math
- +35 subjects
Doug: Centennial ACT Reading course instructor
...to students with learning disabilities, including dyslexia and ADHD. Many of my students are both intellectually gifted and have a learning disability. I have a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Michigan. I have taught college courses in psychology and organizational behavior, and recently received a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Northern Colorado. I enjoy working with students of all ages and backgrounds. My tutoring style emphasizes identifying and building...
Education & Certification
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus - Bachelors, Psychology
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor - PHD, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- ACT Reading
- ACT Science
- ACT English
- ACT Writing
- +71 subjects
Hank: Centennial ACT Reading course instructor
Hi, my name is Hank and I am a history major from Virginia Commonwealth University. I enjoy reading, writing, and the outdoors. I am ready to get to work on AP history prep and SAT verbal prep as well as other subjects!... When starting to work, it is important to get to know each other in order to train on the right parts of a particular class.
Education & Certification
- Virginia Commonwealth University - Bachelors, History
Subject Expertise
- ACT Reading
- ACT
- Math
- AP World History
- +38 subjects
Jude: Centennial ACT Reading course instructor
...major in Applied Mathematics and Engineering Physics. I have been tutoring students professionally for one year, but also through my schools for 5 years now. I tutor most kinds of Math and Science, and love doing so; being able to help spread understanding of a difficult concept never fails to bring me joy. As a current student, I understand how lecturing is often not the most effective (or interesting) way to learn, so I like...
Education & Certification
- Colorado School of Mines - Bachelor of Science, Applied Physics
Subject Expertise
- ACT Reading
- ACT Writing
- ACT Science
- ACT Math
- +60 subjects
Ari: Centennial ACT Reading course instructor
Hi! My name's Ari and I've been tutoring math and physics for over 10 years. I really enjoy working with students and helping them to understand a subject I find very interesting. I'm happy to help with material from elementary algebra through multi-variable calculus.
Education & Certification
- University of California-Santa Cruz - Bachelor of Science, Applied Physics
Subject Expertise
- ACT Reading
- ACT Writing
- ACT Science
- ACT English
- +75 subjects
Paige: Centennial ACT Reading course instructor
...humanities, but find that working with students on any subject is fulfilling, including standardized test prep. Having lived abroad in Spain and Chile, I also know the importance of connecting classroom learning in Spanish to the actual experience of the language and am always excited to help Spanish come alive beyond conjugation worksheets. Regardless of subject, I strive to ensure that my students build the strategies and confidence they need to be capable, self-directed learners....
Education & Certification
- Mount Holyoke College - Bachelors, Philosophy
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- ACT Reading
- ACT Writing
- ACT English
- ACT Science
- +46 subjects
Brockton: Centennial ACT Reading course instructor
I am a neuroscience and psychology double major from CU Boulder working to go to PA school down the road. I am originally from the East coast, but definitely prefer the hiking here. I was a learning assistant (basically student focused teacher aid) at CU, and took a course to learn more effective pedagogy. Afterwards, I was asked to be a mentor, and continued trying to help as much as I can.
Education & Certification
- University of Colorado Boulder - Bachelor in Arts, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- ACT Reading
- ACT English
- ACT Science
- ACT Math
- +25 subjects
Education & Certification
- University of Wyoming - Bachelor of Science, Economics
- University of Mary - Masters in Business Administration, Finance
Subject Expertise
- ACT Reading
- ACT Science
- ACT Math
- ACT English
- +82 subjects
Kevin: Centennial ACT Reading course instructor
I very much enjoy helping students build confidence in themselves as they achieve their learning goals. I love learning new things that I can then teach others. I like to build up a variety of subjects that I enjoy teaching.
Education & Certification
- Luther College - Bachelor in Arts, Anthropology
- Thunderbird School of Global Management - Masters in Business Administration, International Business
Subject Expertise
- ACT Reading
- ACT English
- ACT Math
- ACT Science
- +108 subjects