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!
Christopher: ACT English course instructor
...I served a year, full time, as an Americorps member with City Year, tutoring and mentoring 7th and 8th grade students in the Englewood Community of Chicago in 1-on-1 and small group settings. I am currently working toward a TEFL certification that would allow me to teach English as a foreign language abroad. With Varsity Tutors, I tutor a wide range of subjects including biology, algebra, and English, as well as ACT and GRE prep....
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Bachelors, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Writing
- ACT Reading
- ACT Science
- +32 subjects
Gus: ACT English course instructor
...product of indecision and confusion regarding my future because I couldn't find a way to mesh all of the things in life that excite me into one career. Film and animation have managed to do that for the most part, but as I grow older (and wiser?) I feel more certain that teaching at the collegiate level is my calling. I carry with me my overly nice, hard working, and cheese-loving qualities from my upbringing...
Education & Certification
- University of Wisconsin-Stout - Bachelors, Entertainment Design - Digital Cinema
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Science
- ACT Math
- ACT Reading
- +48 subjects
Joy: ACT English course instructor
...as she felt grounded enough to access her innate understanding of the world around us, she progressed. Later on, my extensive experience in the classroom as a Jumpstart Corps Member taught me to adapt my teaching style to each childs needs. While some learned better through mnemonics and letter-to-word associations, others preferred to process information and teach content back to me themselves. The greatest lesson I've learned as a tutor is to first step back...
Education & Certification
- University of Connecticut - Current Undergrad, Physiology and Neurobiology
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Math
- ACT Writing
- ACT Science
- +99 subjects
Sadie: ACT English course instructor
...a certified and highly qualified secondary English teacher in the metro Detroit area. I am looking to help middle and high school students with any area of English they need - grammar, vocabulary, writing, reading, analysis, etc. - in addition to helping them stay organized with school work. I have taught and tutored many ages in many places - all the way from elementary students in rural China to college students in a university writing...
Education & Certification
- University of Michigan - Bachelors, Education (English)
- Oakland University - Current Grad Student, Reading and Language Arts
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Reading
- SAT
- SAT Reading
- +17 subjects
Lee: ACT English course instructor
...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 that every student is able to do well and I really enjoy helping them along their path to success. But being laid back, I am also...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Engineering
- Northwestern University - Master of Science, Biomedical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Aspire
- ACT Math
- ACT Science
- +41 subjects
Andrew: ACT English course instructor
...a PhD student in Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience at the George Washington University and have an extensive background in math, science, and writing. As a tutor, I will be able to work with you across a broad range of topics. In terms of hobbies and interests, I enjoy discovering new music and collecting records. In the past, I have even hosted my own radio show. I also enjoy kayaking and playing sports including basketball and...
Education & Certification
- Bucknell University - Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience
- George Washington University - PHD, Cognitive Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Science
- ACT Reading
- ACT Math
- +44 subjects
Rushi: ACT English course instructor
...a student at Northwestern University in Evanston, and teaching has always been a passion of mine. From my younger brother to my years 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...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Current Undergrad, Industrial Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Reading
- ACT Science
- ACT Math
- +29 subjects
Katherine: ACT English course instructor
...a behavior therapist who's passionate about individualized education experiences! I graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in Human Development and Psychological Services, and am currently working to complete a Master's in Professional Behavior Analysis. I have been working with children with developmental disabilities at an ABA agency in the Washington, DC area for the past few years. My job includes creating measurable milestones to help learners achieve their goals, and determining what teaching methods...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelors, Human Development and Psychological Services
- Florida Institute of Technology - Current Grad Student, Professional Behavior Analysis
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Science
- ACT Reading
- ACT Math
- +27 subjects
Stacie: ACT English course instructor
...passion in life is helping others learn and understand. I love learning new things myself, but nothing compares to the sense of accomplishment and purpose that comes with helping others do the same. I take great pride in developing individualized tutoring programs for my students based on their specific needs and goals. I previously taught high school for several years and also have tutoring experience in a wide variety of subject areas. At this time,...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Arlington - Bachelors, English
- Texas AM University - Commerce - Current Grad Student, Secondary Education
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Reading
- ACT Writing
- ACT Math
- +134 subjects
John: ACT English course instructor
I graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in NYC in 2008, the oldest English speaking acting conservatory in the world. I graduated Summa from University of St Thomas with a BA in English, and just wrapped up a MS in Data Science from Northwestern. I'm a huge Red Sox fan and love watching detective shows when I have free time.... Positivity. Always. I believe that if a student is given positive tools and is allowed to understand the material rather than be lectured at, they're more likely to do well in the future.
Education & Certification
- American Academy of Dramatic Arts - Associates, Acting
- University of St. Thomas - Bachelor of Fine Arts, English/Drama
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Reading
- ACT Science
- ACT Writing
- +110 subjects
Lindsay: ACT English course instructor
...age to graduate level, as well as working with students with special needs. I particularly enjoy tutoring mathematics, biology, and helping students prepare for standardized tests. I can also tutor in writing and reading, since I have experience as a professional copy editor. My focus when tutoring is student understanding. I believe academic goals are more readily achievable when concepts are understood, rather than formulas memorized. When helping students prepare for standardized tests I focus...
Education & Certification
- University of Arizona - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Writing
- ACT Science
- ACT Reading
- +80 subjects
Courtney: ACT English course instructor
...the math section of the ACT is making you nervous or you need some extra help keeping up in Spanish, I am confident that together, well figure out how to meet your current academic goals and develop the skills you need to face future challenges. Outside academia, I love to read I work in a library, after all! Im also an avid journaler. I enjoy learning languages in addition to Spanish and Latin, Im currently...
Education & Certification
- Augsburg College - Bachelors, Sociology w/minor in Spanish
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Math
- ACT Reading
- ACT Writing
- +122 subjects
Daria: ACT English course instructor
...20 with their English grammar and pronunciation. While there, I took advantage of the school holidays and traveled to several different European countries. After my contract finished, I spent two months traveling through Spain. My favorite subjects to tutor are literature based, as that is where my interests lie. I enjoy discussing books with my students and helping them realize the subtle nuances of the author's language. I also enjoy helping my students with their...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Bachelor in Arts, French Language, Literature
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Reading
- ACT Writing
- English
- +21 subjects
Yesha: ACT English course instructor
...group. More than that, what qualifies me for this job is that I am passionate about education. I have had a very successful school career, and I want to share that with all students. Education is empowering, and every student deserves to feel intelligent. Outside of tutoring and college, I love to read. I'm a big fan of fantasy novels and Harry Potter, but I also like classics such as Dickens' books. I play French...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Current Undergrad, Integrative Biology Honors/ Psychology
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Math
- ACT Reading
- ACT Writing
- +42 subjects
Alex: ACT English course instructor
...tutor, but also as an EMT-Paramedic, a lifeguard, a martial arts instructor, and a swim instructor. I have been fortunate enough to travel to several different countries in Central America, South America, Africa, and the Caribbean. I have done medical aid work in both Nicaragua and Haiti. My teaching experiences outside of academic instruction include 8 years of teaching Kenpo Karate, several years of swimming instruction for noncompetitive swimmers and triathletes, and four years training...
Education & Certification
- University of Florida - Bachelor in Arts, Anthropology
- Georgetown University - Master of Arts, Conflict Resolution
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Writing
- ACT Science
- ACT Reading
- +146 subjects
Katie: ACT English course instructor
...I tutor a broad range of subjects, but I am most passionate about Math, English, Literature, and Essay Writing. My favorite subject to tutor would be Math. I love seeing students have that "aha!" moment when a math problem finally makes sense. I also have experience with ACT Test Preparation. I have a love for learning, and I try to instill this passion in all of my students. In my spare time, I enjoy playing...
Education & Certification
- Truman State University - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
- Truman State University - Masters, Education
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Reading
- ACT Math
- ACT Science
- +44 subjects
Spenser: ACT English course instructor
...allowing students to maximize their own educational potential. My goal as a tutor is to help each student that I work with to perform to the best of their abilities on the standardized test that they are preparing to take. I hope that I can play a part in helping my students to attend the higher education institution of their dreams, and I will work as hard as I need to in order to achieve...
Education & Certification
- Duke University - Bachelors, Public Policy
- Brown University - Masters, Urban Education Policy
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Math
- ACT Science
- ACT Reading
- +17 subjects
Audrey: ACT English course instructor
...rising senior at Pomona College with a specialty in critical reading and writing skills. I have prior experience working at my school's writing center to assist first-year students with college-level essays. I have also captained an award-winning collegiate mock trial team for several years, which involves mentoring younger students in oral and written communication skills. In addition to my experience, standardized testing has always been a forte of mine. I am enthusiastic about sharing the...
Education & Certification
- Pomona College - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Writing
- ACT Math
- ACT Reading
- +36 subjects
Mahak: ACT English course instructor
...learn! I graduated from the University of Michigan this year with a B.S. in biopsychology, cognition, and neuroscience. Thus, I have plenty of experience in Psychology as well. I quickly realized in high school that psychology was my favorite subject, so I was quick to choose my major when I started college. I could not have made a better choice, and I aspire to spread that enthusiasm for such an interesting subject to my students....
Education & Certification
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor - Bachelor of Science, Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Math
- ACT Reading
- ACT Writing
- +12 subjects
Vivek: ACT English course instructor
...a current sophomore at Austin College. I am a biology major and neuroscience minor. Science has been my passion from a young age. I like tutoring because I sincerely enjoy helping others and being able to impart my knowledge and experience. Along with being strong in my curricular classes, I have experience helping and tutoring younger students in various subjects and test prep. As a patient and encouraging teacher, I am adept at helping others...
Education & Certification
- Austin College - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Math
- ACT Writing
- ACT Reading
- +66 subjects