If you plan on taking the ACT soon, Varsity Tutors can help you prepare for its Reading section with an ACT Reading course. If you've ever spent time online looking up "ACT Reading help near me", then you may already know how effective it can be to work with an expert while preparing for an important exam. ACT Reading classes from Varsity Tutors give you control of your test preparation process. Your ACT Reading class can take place in a small group setting or through one-on-one ACT Reading class sessions. You can sign up for ACT Reading classes by getting in touch with us today. Or, if you'd like to learn more about how you may benefit from taking ACT Reading courses, then continue reading.
Why Take the ACT?
The ACT is a college admissions exam that is generally taken by high school students who are getting ready to apply to college. The test has four multiple-choice sections that cover the topics of English, Math, Reading, and Science. It also has a Writing section that is optional, so you won't need to complete it unless you decide to do so. However, many students do decide to respond to the ACT's Writing Prompt because it gives them an opportunity to showcase their writing skills to the colleges they'd like to attend.
At a broad level, the ACT Reading section was designed to assess your ability to understand complex passages and reason logically using evidence from these passages. Even if you already feel confident with your reading comprehension skill set, it can still be worthwhile to take an ACT Reading course to brush up on your abilities. Answering reading comprehension questions on an important test like the ACT is also much more challenging than simply understanding the material that you're reading in class or at home. Signing up for an ACT Reading class can help you develop the specific skills you need to feel confident while taking your exam. Instead of looking up "ACT Reading assistance near me", you can easily get started with an ACT Reading prep course by contacting Varsity Tutors today. This could be the addition to your study plan that you've been searching for.
Exam Requirements
When taking the ACT, there are few requirements that you need to be mindful of before signing up. For instance, even though the test is usually taken by high school students, you can be any age and still sign up to take the ACT. However, it's important to note that some colleges may not accept an applicant's score if they didn't earn it while in high school. This is rare, but you should check in with the schools you plan on applying to in order to make sure that you're score will count there.
The ACT does require test-takers to bring a valid photo ID to their test center on the day of their exam. This requirement can easily be satisfied by bringing along your driver's license if you have one, or by using your school ID card. You'll also need to bring your test ticket with you. Many proctors will let you complete the ACT without a test ticket but you may end up having a delay in receiving your final score if you forget yours at home.
You may also want to bring a few items with you to make your testing experience more comfortable. For example, bringing a watch is a good idea because it gives you the opportunity to keep track of the time yourself instead of relying on a test proctor to do so for you. You may also want to bring an approved calculator for the math section and extra number 2 pencils so you don't run into any issues if yours breaks while you're taking your exam. You could even bring a snack with you to keep yourself fueld when you get a break.
Breaking Down the ACT's Reading Section
As you get started with your ACT Reading preparation process, it's a good idea to spend some time upfront learning about the exam's format. Here's an overview of this part of your test:
ACT Reading Test Quick Facts
- Time Allowed: 35 Minutes
- # of Questions: 40
- Question Format: Multiple-Choice
- Directions
- Read the provided passages
- Answer questions about these passages. Read through the questions and answer choices carefully
- Look back to the passages while working through the questions to find/verify your answers
This section of the ACT will be split into four distinct sections, which each feature questions about a different reading passage. You'll generally read about topics like the humanities, fiction, natural sciences, and social studies. There are a variety of different question types that you may encounter while taking the ACT Reading section. For instance, detail questions simply ask you to find and interpret details in a piece of writing. Main idea questions ask you to find the main idea of a piece of writing or a paragraph within a piece of writing. Comparative relationships questions will ask you to compare the similarities and contrast the differences between different writing selections. You may also find cause-effect relationships questions on this part of the exam. These simply ask you to interpret a causal relationship within a piece of writing.
In addition to the question types listed above, you may encounter things like generalizations questions, which ask you to draw generalizations from a writing passage. There are also vocabulary-in-context questions, which ask you to identify the meaning of words within the context of a piece of writing. You may also be asked sequence of events questions that assess how well you're able to determine the order of events in a writing passage. Finally, the last commonly used ACT Reading question type is a category called author's voice and method questions. These questions will ask you to identify an author's style and point of view as well as the main purpose of a piece of writing or its sub-parts.
Clearly, there are a lot of things that you'll need to understand how to do before you sit down to take this section of the ACT. To get practice with each of these question types, you may want to consider taking practice exams or answering sample questions. However, these resources may not have much value if you do them without analyzing your responses. Taking a private ACT Reading prep course gives you the chance to get an expert's feedback on any practice problems you do. An ACT Reading prep course can, therefore, improve the efficiency of your learning process.
Below, you'll see an example of the types of questions you'll be asked on this exam:
ACT Reading Sample Question
- The following question is about a full sample written passage that is provided to the student:
- The point of view from which the passage is told can best be described as that of:
- a man looking back on the best years of his life as director of a community center in a strife-ridden neighborhood.
- a narrator describing his experiences as they happen, starting with childhood and continuing through his adult years as an advocate for troubled children.
- an unidentified narrator describing a man who devoted his life to neighborhood children years after his own difficult childhood.
- an admiring relative of a man whose generosity with children was widely respected in the neighborhood where he turned around a declining community center.
- The point of view from which the passage is told can best be described as that of:
For this question, the bolded statement is correct. Although you didn't have to reading passage to refer to for this question, you can get a sense of how difficult these questions can be to answer from simply viewing the different answer options that are available to choose from. Often, when taking difficult standardized exams like the ACT, you'll find that multiple answer options you're allowed to choose from sound like they could be correct. This is why it's so important to have a strong test preparation in place as you begin studying for your exam. A good instructor can show you how to tell the difference between answers that sound like they might be right and answers that are actually right.
Varsity Tutors Can Help You Prepare
Your ACT Reading prep course may take place in a group setting or individually depending on your preferences. If you decide to work with a group, you'll join your ACT Reading course instructor and a small group of classmates in a live virtual classroom. You'll be able to interact with your ACT Reading class instructor and the other students in your class just like you would be able to in a traditional ACT Reading class. Your ACT Reading prep class will also give you the option of spending some one-on-one time with your ACT Reading course instructor if you ever need extra help.
You may also be interested in ACT Reading prep courses that take place in a one-on-one setting. This option may be best for you if you place a premium on getting personalized feedback from your ACT Reading course instructor throughout each of your study sessions. ACT Reading prep classes keep the focus on your academic needs so you can get the guidance you need without having to go over material that you may already understand. Private ACT Reading classes are also often very flexible. So you can sign up to take ACT Reading courses without having to worry about how they'll impact your schedule. The level of individualization you can get through your ACT Reading courses is hard to match in other academic environments.
Your ACT Reading course can also help you develop better general test-taking skills that you can utilize on the ACT's other sections as well as on future exams. For instance, have you ever struggled with test anxiety? If so, the instructor leading your ACT Reading prep courses can show you tips to reduce test day anxiety. Your ACT Reading prep class teacher can also show you ways to improve your time management while taking exams. This point underlies the fact that the ACT Reading class you ultimately decide on pursuing will be flexible enough to accommodate your learning needs no matter what they are.
Who Takes the ACT?
The ACT is taken by over 1.6 million students each year. It is extremely popular because of the impact it can have on the college admissions process. For instance, "ACT Reading help near me" is a popular search term precisely because of how widely taken the ACT is. Each multiple-choice section on the test is scored on a scale ranging from 1 to 36, while the Writing section has its own scoring scale. The scores a student earns in each section are then combined to create an overall score. The average combined ACT score is typically around 20.8 but may vary depending on the year.
Are you interested in attending a prestigious university? If so, you may need to earn a higher combined score in order to do so. For example, students who get accepted into top tier universities like Harvard and Yale often have average ACT scores in the 32 - 35 point range. Getting a score like this will require a strong test preparation process, which you can find through ACT Reading prep courses. This is another reason why taking an ACT Reading prep class may be the right fit for your test preparation needs.
Getting Started
Performing well on the ACT could pay dividends in a variety of ways. It could help you get into the colleges you're most interested in attending. It could also help you qualify for more scholarship funds. However, the ACT Reading section may be challenging to prepare for without any guidance.
If you think you would benefit from taking ACT Reading prep classes, then you don't need to spend any additional time online searching for "ACT Reading help near me". Instead, get in touch with us today to get started with the right ACT Reading prep classes for your specific needs. Varsity Tutors can help you develop your own ideal study plan with an in-depth ACT Reading class or with one-on-one ACT Reading tutoring. We'd love to use our experience in the test preparation industry to help you get more out of your study sessions. We hope to hear from you soon and look forward to working with you.

Will: ACT Reading course instructor
...who is studying for the bar after graduating cum laude from Northwestern University Law School this May. I studied at St. Ignatius College Prep and graduated summa cum laude from Villanova University (including a two-term stint at Cambridge University). Between Villanova and Northwestern I worked at an academic non-profit organization and evaluated hundreds of fellowship candidates' writing and academic work. I will work with each student to craft a personalized plan of study and improvement...
Education & Certification
- Villanova University - Bachelor in Arts, Humanities & Political Science
- Northwestern University - Juris Doctor, Law
Subject Expertise
- ACT Reading
- ACT English
- Reading
- LSAT Analytical Reasoning
- +22 subjects

Alex: ACT Reading course instructor
...reciting facts or "teaching at" a student. I believe that discovery is the most exciting way to learn as well as the best method for producing long-term recall; it also tailors every learning experience to the individual student. I was most inspired to pursue this Socratic style of teaching after taking several courses in college from a professor who had perfected the technique. The majority of his class-time revolved around asking us questions that led...
Education & Certification
- University of Florida - Bachelor in Arts, Anthropology
- Georgetown University - Master of Arts, Conflict Resolution
Subject Expertise
- ACT Reading
- ACT Math
- ACT Writing
- ACT Science
- +146 subjects

Tessa: ACT Reading course instructor
...to bring students toward their lightbulb moments not by repeating facts until they're drilled in, but by helping my students understand precisely why the laws of science, the rules of grammar, and the events of history are the way they are, and by lifting the curtain on the intricacies of the subject matter. I believe that learning is, and ought to be, for its own sake. Math and philosophy, and their nuanced interactions, are my...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Current Undergrad, Mathematics and History
Subject Expertise
- ACT Reading
- ACT Science
- ACT Math
- ACT English
- +106 subjects

Kevin: ACT Reading course instructor
...college, I graduated from the West Windsor Plainsboro School District, so I understand how stressful and competitive academics can be in and around this area. I tutor several subjects though I am strongest in the humanities particularly in preparation for the AP European/American History exams as well as the AP American Government/Comparative Politics exams. I also offer ACT/SAT Writing, ACT/SAT Reading, SAT Verbal and ACT English tutoring. My approach to tutoring is centered on the...
Education & Certification
- American University - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
Subject Expertise
- ACT Reading
- ACT Writing
- ACT English
- SAT Reading
- +15 subjects

Akhil: ACT Reading course instructor
...true knowledge is in understanding the process of answering a question, and just knowing the answer is not enough. I work with students to recognize errors, and to help students be able to answer questions by themselves. I have a similar approach in English subjects, where it is very important to develop a thought process when thinking analytically about a piece of writing. Students will learn to recognize grammatical structure and parts of speech, as...
Education & Certification
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor - Current Undergrad, English and Political Science
Subject Expertise
- ACT Reading
- ACT English
- ACT Writing
- ACT Science
- +27 subjects

Sean: ACT Reading course instructor
...still push you to achieve personal as well as academic goals, don't hesitate to contact me. I am a computer science major currently pursuing my Bachelor's degree. I have tutored ACT prep and SAT prep previously on many occasions, and I am willing to work with and help you reach your full potential on these tests. I really enjoy teaching test preparation, as there are so many aspects to taking these exams ranging from test...
Education & Certification
- Brown University - Current Undergrad, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- ACT Reading
- ACT Science
- ACT Math
- ACT English
- +28 subjects

Kelsey: ACT Reading course instructor
...tutoring and editing background; she had worked as a lead tutor at a math-focused center for students ages 5 to 18, had individually tutored numerous students on college entrance exam preparation, and has worked professionally as an editorial assistant for research institutions. Her personal goal is to help students build a foundation of solid study skills that they can rely on throughout their education so that they have the confidence to perform their best in...
Education & Certification
- Cornell University - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- ACT Reading
- ACT English
- ACT Math
- ACT Writing
- +79 subjects

Naama: ACT Reading course instructor
...to do a lot of it during my quarter-century on this planetRussia, all over Europe, the Middle East, Venezuela, Mexico, India, and pretty much every state in this country. You only live once, and I really do learn something new every day. Of all the jobs I've had while pursuing music and art, I've found that teaching is the one in which I have the most to offer and that gives me the most in...
Education & Certification
- New York University - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- ACT Reading
- ACT English
- ACT Writing
- Music Theory
- +41 subjects

Andrew: ACT Reading course instructor
...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 tennis. In addition, I enjoy cooking and exploring new cuisines, and I try to do this as often as...
Education & Certification
- Bucknell University - Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience
- George Washington University - PHD, Cognitive Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- ACT Reading
- ACT Science
- ACT Writing
- ACT Math
- +44 subjects

Kaitlin: ACT Reading course instructor
...a greater interest in them during high school. I attended a private school where I was given the opportunity to discover a large range of topics I had never thought about pursuing, such as engineering and biomedical sciences. In college, I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Linguistics, while minoring in Arabic and gaining a certificate in Middle Eastern and North African studies. During this period, I started tutoring at my school's academic success...
Education & Certification
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee - Bachelors, Linguistics
- University of Chicago - Current Grad Student, Middle Eastern Studies
Subject Expertise
- ACT Reading
- ACT Math
- ACT Science
- ACT English
- +29 subjects

Travis: ACT Reading course instructor
...the boxes and getting the right answer is not success. What I value far more is not just telling students the answers to their problems, but providing them with the resources and strategies to arrive at the correct answer themselves. Not only does this empower students, but it also gives them a framework to understand and tackle more complex problems outside of tutoring. Additionally, I see no value in simply telling a student that they...
Education & Certification
- University of Southern California - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
- University of Southern California Sol Price School of Public Policy - Master in Public Health Administration, Master of Public Administration
Subject Expertise
- ACT Reading
- ACT Math
- ACT English
- ACT Writing
- +34 subjects

Zach: ACT Reading course instructor
...high school in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota with a 4.0 GPA and a 33 on my ACT. In my free time I play basketball, listen to music, write programs, and watch movies with my friends. I specialize in math and science of all kinds, I really love teaching biology, chemistry, and physics. I also can prepare students for the ACT. As a sophomore I have already taken physics, calculus, biology, intro chemistry, and organic chemistry....
Education & Certification
- University of Wisconsin-Madison - Current Undergrad, Biochemistry
Subject Expertise
- ACT Reading
- ACT Math
- ACT Science
- Math
- +24 subjects

Adam: ACT Reading course instructor
...to a general surgery residency in 2021. I was previously an engineer and graduated with a bachelor's and master's of biomedical engineering from Arizona State University. I recently completed three years of my MD curriculum and am now returning to tutoring during my MBA studies. I struggled throughout high school until finally preparing for the SAT and ACT, so I'm adept with picking up just what you're struggling with - I was there once, too....
Education & Certification
- Arizona State University - Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Engineering
- Arizona State University - Master of Science, Biomedical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- ACT Reading
- ACT Science
- ACT English
- ACT Math
- +49 subjects

Nicolas: ACT Reading course instructor
...fear of failure. We practice not fearing mistakes, but seeing them as opportunities to learn, hone skills, and grow more confident. One of my strongest attributes as a tutor is my ability to break down complex ideas into clear and accessible language. There is nothing more gratifying than working through a difficult concept with a student and know they truly understand it and can put it into practice. In my free time I enjoy reading....
Education & Certification
- Duke University - Bachelor in Arts, Philosophy
Subject Expertise
- ACT Reading
- ACT English
- ACT Math
- ACT Science
- +26 subjects

Paulina: ACT Reading course instructor
...Honors Program. Currently, I am a student at Midwestern University where I am working towards the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree. In my free time I enjoy painting, fitness classes such as Zumba and Turbo Kick, and I never miss a chance to go to a symphony concert! During my undergraduate studies I tutored children grade 3 through 12 in various subject areas: math, science, English, writing. I worked both with students who needed additional...
Education & Certification
- Loyola University-Chicago - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- Midwestern University-Downers Grove - Non Degree Doctorals, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
Subject Expertise
- ACT Reading
- ACT Math
- ACT Writing
- ACT English
- +19 subjects
Education & Certification
- Washington University in St Louis - Bachelors, Biomedical Engineering
- University of Maryland - PHD, Bioengineering
Subject Expertise
- ACT Reading
- ACT Math
- ACT English
- ACT Science
- +106 subjects

Sarah: ACT Reading course instructor
...knowledge in a wide variety of subjects, such as calculus courses, physics, chemistry, programming (python), french, and writing courses. Additionally, I took many AP classes throughout high school which enabled me to enter college with over 30 credits already completed. I have spent two years tutoring in the past and have gained experience learning how to work best with struggling students. I enjoy teaching and helping others learn, be it for a specific subject, test...
Education & Certification
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities - Current Undergrad, Undecided
Subject Expertise
- ACT Reading
- ACT Science
- ACT Math
- ACT Writing
- +38 subjects

Vivek: ACT Reading course instructor
...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 reach their educational...
Education & Certification
- Austin College - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- ACT Reading
- ACT Math
- ACT Writing
- ACT Science
- +66 subjects

Caroline: ACT Reading course instructor
...experience, I continued spending my time mentoring in college through a 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...
Education & Certification
- Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College - Bachelor in Arts, English Literature
- Lipscomb University - Masters in Education, Instructional Practice
Subject Expertise
- ACT Reading
- ACT Math
- ACT English
- ACT Writing
- +35 subjects

Luke: ACT Reading course instructor
...I have been teaching English overseas in South Korea and the nation of Georgia. In those roles, I was especially proud of the improvements my students made towards clear self-expression in speaking and writing (which was reflected in high TOEFL scores). I've got a knack for identifying an essay's strengths and weaknesses, and for giving specific feedback to make written ideas come to life. In addition, I have a passion for helping students improve their...
Education & Certification
- Wheaton College (Illinois) - Bachelor in Arts, Philosophy
Subject Expertise
- ACT Reading
- ACT Writing
- ACT Math
- ACT Science
- +31 subjects