Most students struggle with finishing all five passages within the 35-minute window while maintaining accuracy. The ACT Reading section requires you to read strategically rather than carefully re-reading every line. A tutor can teach you how to identify key information quickly, skip less important details, and manage your time across different passage types—which is often the difference between rushing through the last passage and completing it with confidence.

Yes. The ACT Reading section tests several question types: main idea, detail questions, inference, vocabulary in context, and author's purpose. Most students find inference questions and vocabulary-in-context questions most challenging because they require deeper comprehension rather than simple fact-finding. A tutor can help you recognize question patterns, understand what each type is really asking, and develop strategies specific to each format.

Your first session focuses on assessment and planning. Your tutor will likely have you complete a timed practice section or full-length test to identify your current score, understand your pacing patterns, and pinpoint which passage types and question formats give you the most trouble. From there, you'll develop a personalized study plan that targets your specific weaknesses while building on your strengths.

Practice tests are essential—they're the best way to build the stamina and timing skills you need for test day. Taking full-length, timed practice tests helps you identify patterns in your mistakes and get comfortable with the pressure of working within 35 minutes. Your tutor can use practice test results to guide your study focus and help you track improvement over time, making each practice session more purposeful.

Not in the traditional sense. ACT Reading tests vocabulary in context, meaning you need to understand word meanings based on how they're used in the passage, not from memorized definitions. However, building familiarity with common academic and challenging words helps you read faster and with more confidence. Your tutor can teach you strategies for decoding unfamiliar words from context clues rather than relying on a vocabulary list.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or unsure about what to expect. Working with a tutor builds confidence through repeated practice with real ACT passages, familiarity with question formats, and proven strategies you can rely on. Knowing exactly what to do when you encounter a difficult passage or question type reduces panic and helps you stay focused during the actual test.

Look for a tutor with proven experience teaching ACT Reading and a track record of helping students improve their scores. They should understand the specific challenges of the reading section—pacing, inference questions, and passage complexity—and be able to teach you strategies tailored to your learning style. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors in Honolulu who specialize in ACT prep and can create a personalized approach based on your goals and timeline.