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!

Nisarg: ACT English course instructor
...class, studying, hanging out with my friends, or at club meetings! In my free time, I love to breakdance, write poetry, debate politics and economics, and participate in practically every nerdy endeavor possible (huge Star Wars fan!!). I love to talk and will talk your ear off if you let me! I love trying new things, exploring the city, and traveling. My teaching philosophy is that teaching is a responsibility and a privilege; I'll put...
Education & Certification
- University of Minnesota - Bachelors, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Writing
- ACT Reading
- ACT Math
- +38 subjects

Steven : ACT English course instructor
...for two years as a Spanish teaching assistant, leading language and culture lessons with beginning-level students three times per week. I spent my junior year abroad in Santiago, Chile at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. As a language-learner and teacher, I'm aware of what areas of the Spanish language are most difficult for English speakers and how to effectively navigate challenging concepts. In addition to leading larger groups of students, I also tutored individuals...
Education & Certification
- Kenyon College - Bachelor in Arts, Spanish, International Studies
- University of California-Irvine - PHD, Sociology
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Reading
- ACT Writing
- English
- +27 subjects

Martin: ACT English course instructor
I have been teaching 18- to 22-year-old students at the college level since 1995. I love imparting to them my own passion for the English language and its literary heritage, from Chaucer through our best 21st-century writers. I am particularly absorbed by the history of fiction, drama, and poetry in English, and I hope to continue to teach such love of the written word to curious students today.
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Bachelor of Science, Ancient Greek
- Duke University - Master of Arts, English
- Duke University - Doctor of Philosophy, English
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- Study Skills
- Study Skills and Organization
- Expository Writing
- +65 subjects

Jessica: ACT English course instructor
...tutoring, in order to certify that I had the appropriate background to provide professional feedback to fellow students on their literary works and projects. After graduation, I worked for a full-service learning center where I created and implemented high school lesson plans for home-schooled students, provided academic support for students ranging in ages from 8 to 20 years old, and taught group and individual standardized testing preparation classes. I have also assisted students with application...
Education & Certification
- University of Pennsylvania - Bachelors, History
- Nova Southeastern University - PHD, Medicine
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Math
- ACT Writing
- ACT Reading
- +81 subjects

Chloe: ACT English course instructor
...learning. Often the journey to academic success is not a solo one, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share what I know in a way that inspires and educates students. My passion for education stems from a desire to become more aware of the world around me and to help others do the same, whether in the form of writing a paper, passing a test or understanding new concepts. My favorite subjects to...
Education & Certification
- Univeristy of Montana - Bachelors, Ecology and Organismal Biology
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Reading
- Physiology
- Biology
- +28 subjects

Adam: ACT English course instructor
...during my junior year of high school, finding that I had an aptitude for analogies that helped students learn the material. I tutor a large variety of subjects, including LSAT, SAT, and ACT. I also tutor various academic subjects, primarily in the fields of math and science. My favorite subject to tutor is Chemistry, followed closely by Physics. I feel that anyone can learn anything as long as it is explained in a way that...
Education & Certification
- University of Cincinnati-Main Campus - Bachelors, Sociology
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Science
- ACT Reading
- ACT Math
- +186 subjects
Education & Certification
- Washington University in St Louis - Bachelors, Biomedical Engineering
- University of Maryland - PHD, Bioengineering
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Writing
- ACT Math
- ACT Science
- +106 subjects

Max: ACT English course instructor
...on standardized test prep, middle school and high school math classes, and college-level biology courses as a volunteer, teaching assistant, and private tutor. I have spent time lecturing, providing homework help, and offering specific testing strategies to different students at different times. I have experience with the majority of science and math Advanced Placement courses, the ACT, the SAT, the general GRE, and the Biology GRE. To me, tutoring is a two-way street. While it...
Education & Certification
- Ball State University - Bachelors, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Reading
- ACT Science
- ACT Math
- +62 subjects

Joy: ACT English course instructor
...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 and let a student tell me their goals, show me how they take in information, and point me in the direction of the challenging areas. With this information, I can...
Education & Certification
- University of Connecticut - Current Undergrad, Physiology and Neurobiology
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Math
- ACT Science
- ACT Writing
- +99 subjects

Matt: ACT English course instructor
...have worked full-time as a test-prep instructor for over 7 years and have absolutely loved it! It has always been very gratifying for me to help students develop academically and improve their performances on important tests like the LSAT and SAT. I have an excellent academic record and have done very well on standardized tests such as the SAT and the LSAT. I understand the skills and strategies needed to succeed on these tests, and...
Education & Certification
- William and Mary - Bachelors, Psychology and Philosophy Double Major
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Writing
- ACT Math
- ACT Science
- +24 subjects

Karishma: ACT English course instructor
...previously tutored with Boys Hope Girls Hope in Evanston, IL. I tutored middle and high school students in Spanish and English, and I was able to help them develop study strategies such as using flashcards or translating a sentence they had spoken aloud that day in their heads for extra language practice. I am very excited to be able to tutor again and to work with students. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelor in Arts, English/Psychology
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Science
- ACT Writing
- ACT Math
- +58 subjects

Caroline: ACT English course instructor
...program called Reading Friends. After graduating college, I joined Teach for America and began teaching at a middle school in Nashville. Last year I taught Social Studies, and this year I moved into teaching literacy. I will continue in this position next year as well. Not only do I have extensive experience tutoring and mentoring, but I also have experience that is varied. I have worked with different age groups under various settings, such as...
Education & Certification
- Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College - Bachelor in Arts, English Literature
- Lipscomb University - Masters in Education, Instructional Practice
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Writing
- ACT Reading
- ACT Math
- +35 subjects

Alexandra: ACT English course instructor
...I taught public health and safety to groups of twenty to two hundred students twice a week for three years. I have over 150 hours of teacher training and countless hours in the classroom. Furthermore, I was the editor of our student newspaper, The Daily Cardinal, and have extensive writing-coaching skills in addition to a strong grasp on the English language. I am currently employed by an educational non-profit in Alexandria, Virginia and would like...
Education & Certification
- University of Wisconsin-Madison - Bachelors, History and Journalism
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Reading
- ACT Science
- ACT Writing
- +23 subjects

Kate: ACT English course instructor
I graduated from MIT with a bachelor's and a master's degree in Environmental Engineering. I'm available to tutor biology, chemistry, physics, math from Algebra up through AP Calculus, SAT test prep, and French. I've been tutoring students in science and math for 7 years. I also spent 8 months working and studying in France, and have tutored high school and adult students in French. When I'm not working or studying, I love playing volleyball (indoors...
Education & Certification
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Bachelors, Environmental Engineering
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Masters, Environmental Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Science
- ACT Reading
- ACT Math
- +53 subjects

Andrew: ACT English course instructor
I'm an experienced teacher of English literature, history, and the other humanities. I also have extensive experience teaching standardized test prep. My pledge to you is to work with you to better understand whatever it is that is giving you difficulty -- or to maxmize your score on that standardized test.
Education & Certification
- New York University - Doctor of Philosophy, English
- University of Pennsylvania - Master of Arts, History
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Reading
- British Literature
- High School English
- +34 subjects

Yesha: ACT English course instructor
...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 Horn and flute, and this summer I am teaching myself to play violin. I also dabble in photography, specifically landscapes. I don't play any sport competitively anymore but I do...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Current Undergrad, Integrative Biology Honors/ Psychology
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Writing
- ACT Math
- ACT Reading
- +42 subjects

Nicolas: ACT English course instructor
...experience assisting students in test preparation. In my experience, students first approach tests in an ad hoc fashion, and often with a fair bit of trepidation and hesitancy. I find it tremendously satisfying to help students conquer those initial hurdles and gain a feeling of mastery and confidence. I am patient, and I encourage my students to be patient as well. I also help students faceand in so doing, conquertheir fear of failure. We practice...
Education & Certification
- Duke University - Bachelor in Arts, Philosophy
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Science
- ACT Math
- ACT Reading
- +26 subjects

Jeffrey: ACT English course instructor
...solving. I did a lot of it as an undergraduate at the University of Washington. As a tutor, I believe that test preparation is a solvable problem, and I am excited about using my solutions to help students achieve their goals. Preparing for a standardized test can feel overwhelming. But you really can be prepared. Careful, concept-oriented preparation can help ensure that students don't run into anything radically new on exam day. My preparation strategy...
Education & Certification
- University of Washington - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Writing
- ACT Reading
- SAT Writing and Language
- +34 subjects

Thomas: ACT English course instructor
I graduated valedictorian of my class of 300 from Waukesha West High School with a 36 on my ACT and 11 "5"s on various AP tests. While at West, I competed nationally in Academic Decathlon while setting state records in Economics and Mathematics. Now, I am pursuing a Math/Stats & Computer Science B.A. at Carleton College. I love learning and helping others learn, and I live for those "ah-ha!" moments, both the ones I experience...
Education & Certification
- Carleton College - Bachelor in Arts, Math/Stats
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Reading
- ACT Science
- ACT Math
- +30 subjects

Valerie: ACT English course instructor
I am currently a student at Ithaca College pursuing a degree in physics. I am very passionate about math and science especially, and I have found that teaching students is another passion. I have experience tutoring high school students in areas including algebra, algebra 2 and AP Physics 1. I love working with students to help them achieve their goals, and finding exactly what teaching style works best for which students.
Education & Certification
- Ithaca College - Current Undergrad, Physics-engineering 3-2
Subject Expertise
- ACT English
- ACT Reading
- ACT Science
- Science
- +35 subjects