The ACT Reading section gives you 35 minutes to read 4 passages and answer 40 questions, which is challenging for many students. Expert tutors help you develop a personalized pacing strategy—some students benefit from skimming passages first, others from reading questions before the passage, and some from a hybrid approach. The right strategy depends on your reading speed and comprehension style, which a tutor can assess and refine through practice tests.

Cincinnati students typically struggle with three main areas: finishing all four passages within the time limit, distinguishing between similar answer choices, and identifying main ideas versus supporting details. Many students also find vocabulary-in-context questions tricky because they require understanding how word meaning shifts based on context. A tutor can help you recognize question patterns, develop elimination strategies, and build the confidence to move through passages efficiently.

ACT Reading features about 40 questions across four categories: detail questions (what does the passage say?), inference questions (what does it imply?), vocabulary-in-context questions, and big-picture questions about main idea or author's purpose. Each question type requires a slightly different approach—detail questions reward careful rereading, while inference questions demand critical thinking. Understanding how to tackle each type strategically can significantly boost your accuracy and speed.

Consistent practice is more valuable than cramming—aim for 3-4 focused practice sessions per week, each lasting 45-60 minutes. This might include timed passage practice, untimed deep-dive analysis of difficult passages, and full practice tests every 1-2 weeks to track progress. A tutor can help you structure your study schedule, identify which passages or question types need extra attention, and adjust your plan based on your improvement trajectory.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling rushed or uncertain about your approach—both things a tutor can address through targeted practice and confidence building. By working through timed passages repeatedly and developing a reliable strategy you trust, you'll feel more in control during the actual test. Tutors also teach breathing techniques and mental strategies to help you stay calm when you encounter a difficult passage or unfamiliar topic.

Look for tutors who understand ACT Reading's specific format and question types, have experience helping students improve their scores, and can diagnose your individual weaknesses quickly. The best tutors combine test expertise with strong teaching skills—they can explain why an answer is correct, help you understand your mistakes, and adapt their approach to match your learning style. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors in Cincinnati who specialize in ACT prep and can create a personalized study plan for your needs.

Your first session typically starts with a diagnostic assessment—either a practice test section or a conversation about your reading habits, test-taking strategies, and previous scores. This helps your tutor understand your strengths, identify specific areas for improvement, and set realistic goals. From there, you'll develop a customized study plan that targets your weaknesses, whether that's pacing, vocabulary, inference skills, or managing test anxiety.