The ACT English section gives you 45 minutes for 75 questions, which means roughly 30 seconds per question. Most students struggle with pacing because they spend too much time debating between answer choices instead of trusting their instincts on grammar rules.

A solid strategy: read each sentence quickly, identify what's being tested (comma usage, verb tense, pronoun agreement, etc.), and make a decision within 20-30 seconds. Mark questions that genuinely confuse you and come back to them if you have time. Tutors can help you practice this rhythm through timed drills so you develop the confidence to move forward rather than second-guess every answer.

It's actually both, but weighted differently than you might expect. About 40% of the section tests grammar and mechanics (punctuation, sentence structure, verb tense, pronoun agreement), while the remaining 60% tests rhetorical skills like word choice, sentence placement, organization, and understanding an author's intent. Many students focus heavily on grammar rules and then get caught off guard by questions asking why a sentence should be moved or what word choice best conveys the author's tone.

For students in Detroit preparing for the ACT, working with a tutor who can break down these different question types helps you study more efficiently and avoid wasting time on grammar drills when your real challenge might be understanding passage context.

Ideally, you should take 1-2 full-length practice tests per week once you start serious preparation, giving yourself enough time between tests to review mistakes and target weak areas. Early on, shorter 15-20 question drills focused on specific grammar concepts make sense, but once you understand the question types, full-length practice under timed conditions is essential for building stamina and identifying pacing issues.

The ACT has released several official practice tests, and working through these systematically—not just taking them, but thoroughly reviewing every wrong answer—is one of the most effective ways to improve. A tutor can help you analyze which question types are costing you points and create a focused practice plan rather than just repeating the same mistakes across multiple tests.

The biggest mistake is overthinking. Many students second-guess themselves on straightforward grammar questions or spend mental energy on complicated sentences when they could trust the rules they know. Other frequent errors include: misunderstanding comma rules (the ACT heavily tests comma placement), confusing pronouns with their antecedents, and missing subject-verb agreement issues hidden in complex sentences.

On the rhetoric side, students often choose answers based on how good a sentence sounds rather than whether it logically fits the passage context or answers what the question actually asks. Reading the question stem first—before looking at answer choices—prevents a lot of wrong answers. Tutors specializing in ACT English can show you exactly which error patterns are costing you points and build drills to break those habits.

Test anxiety often stems from uncertainty about what to expect or feeling unprepared. The best antidote is familiarity—taking multiple practice tests under timed conditions in quiet environments helps normalize the test experience so it feels less intimidating when test day arrives. Knowing exactly what question types appear and having pre-planned strategies (like the timing approach mentioned above) reduces the mental load during the actual exam.

Practical tactics: take practice tests at the same time of day as your real test, use the full 45 minutes rather than rushing through, and remind yourself that struggling on a few questions is normal—you don't need a perfect score to succeed. Many students find that working with a tutor who can coach them through practice tests and build confidence with their stronger areas helps turn anxiety into readiness.

Varsity Tutors connects students in Detroit with experienced tutors who specialize in ACT English and understand the specific challenges of test prep. When you connect with a tutor, you can discuss your current score, timeline, and goals—whether you're aiming to improve from a 22 to a 26 or pushing toward the 32+ range. Tutors can assess your specific weak areas through diagnostic practice and build a personalized study plan rather than generic test prep.

Look for tutors with proven ACT experience, familiarity with different learning styles, and the ability to explain grammar concepts clearly. Many students benefit from combining tutor sessions (for strategy and feedback) with independent practice between meetings to reinforce what they've learned.