The ACT Reading section gives you 35 minutes to read 4 passages and answer 40 questions—roughly 8-9 minutes per passage—which is tight for many students. The main challenge isn't reading speed alone; it's balancing comprehension with pacing so you don't rush through passages and miss key details. A tutor can help you develop strategies like strategic skimming, identifying question types before reading, and managing time per passage based on difficulty.

Yes—ACT Reading includes main idea questions, detail questions, inference questions, vocabulary-in-context, and purpose/tone questions. Most students struggle with inference and tone questions because they require deeper comprehension beyond what's explicitly stated. A tutor can teach you to recognize each question type quickly and apply targeted strategies, so you're not wasting time on questions that don't require careful re-reading.

The best way is to take a full practice test under timed conditions, then review your answers by passage and question type to spot patterns—maybe you struggle with science passages, or consistently miss inference questions. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who analyze your practice test results to identify exactly where you're losing points, then build a study plan that addresses those specific gaps rather than reviewing material you already know.

Consistent practice 3-4 times per week for 30-45 minutes is ideal for building both speed and comprehension. Quality matters more than quantity—working through one passage with your tutor and discussing strategy is more valuable than rushing through five passages alone. Most students preparing for the ACT benefit from mixing guided practice with your tutor and independent work on practice tests to reinforce what you're learning.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or unsure of your strategy, so building confidence through practice and familiarity with question types is key. A tutor can help you develop a consistent approach to each passage, teach you how to skip difficult questions and come back to them, and work through timed practice sections so test day feels familiar. Many students also benefit from learning breathing techniques and positive self-talk to stay calm when they encounter a challenging passage.

Look for someone with strong ACT Reading scores themselves and experience teaching test-taking strategy, not just general reading skills. They should be able to explain why answer choices are correct or incorrect, teach you to recognize question patterns, and adjust their approach based on your learning style. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who specialize in ACT prep and understand the specific demands of the reading section.

Your first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment—either a timed practice passage or review of a recent test—so your tutor understands your current level, pacing habits, and question-type strengths and weaknesses. From there, you'll discuss your target score, timeline, and learning style to build a personalized study plan. Most tutors use this session to teach you one foundational strategy you can start applying right away.