Standardized Test Preparation · ACT

ACT Preparation.

Comprehensive ACT preparation with personalized one-on-one instruction by Mr. Sharma.

The ACT is a four-section college admissions exam (English, Mathematics, Reading, Science) with an optional Writing essay. Mr. Sharma specializes in ACT Mathematics and Science tutoring, with a complete breakdown of every section so families can prepare with confidence.

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Exam Snapshot

The ACT at a glance.

The numbers and format every ACT family should know before beginning preparation.

Composite Score
1 – 36 (average of the four section scores)
English
75 questions · 45 minutes · scored 1 – 36
Mathematics
60 questions · 60 minutes · scored 1 – 36
Reading
40 questions · 35 minutes · scored 1 – 36
Science
40 questions · 35 minutes · scored 1 – 36
Optional Writing
1 essay · 40 minutes · scored 2 – 12
Total Testing Time
2 hr 55 min (3 hr 35 min with Writing)
Calculator Policy
Permitted on the entire Math section (approved list)
Format
Paper-and-pencil at most centers; online testing available at select sites

Section 01

ACT Overview

The ACT is a four-section college admissions exam delivered in a fixed order: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science, with an optional Writing essay at the end. Each section is scored from 1 to 36, and the four section scores are averaged into a single composite score.

Section

English

Duration
45 min
Questions
75
Score
1 – 36
  • Grammar, usage, rhetoric
Section

Mathematics

Duration
60 min
Questions
60
Score
1 – 36
  • Calculator permitted throughout
Section

Reading

Duration
35 min
Questions
40
Score
1 – 36
  • 4 passages from 4 genres
Section

Science

Duration
35 min
Questions
40
Score
1 – 36
  • Data, research, viewpoints

Composite

1 – 36

Core Time

2 hr 55 min

Writing

Optional · 40 min

Format

Paper or online

Section 02

English

Five short prose passages with underlined portions. Students choose the best revision based on grammar, usage, and rhetorical skill — 75 questions in 45 minutes.

Duration

45 minutes

Questions

75

Score

1 – 36

Section 03 · Our Specialty

Mathematics

The full ACT Math blueprint — 60 questions in 60 minutes, calculator permitted throughout, organized into the six content areas Mr. Sharma teaches one-on-one from foundation through full ACT-style application.

Duration

60 minutes

Questions

60 multiple choice

Calculator

Permitted throughout

ACT Mathematics Content Areas

Every ACT Math question falls into one of six content areas. Each area is taught from foundational concept through full ACT-style application.

Foundational

Pre-Algebra

Number & Operations

  • Integers, fractions, decimals
  • Order of operations
  • Absolute value
  • Number lines

Ratios & Percents

  • Ratios & proportions
  • Percent change
  • Rates & unit conversions

Basic Statistics

  • Mean, median, mode
  • Range
  • Probability of simple events
Core

Elementary Algebra

Expressions & Equations

  • Simplifying algebraic expressions
  • Linear equations in one variable
  • Substituting values

Exponents & Roots

  • Integer exponents
  • Square roots
  • Simplifying radicals

Inequalities

  • Linear inequalities
  • Compound inequalities
Core

Intermediate Algebra

Quadratics

  • Factoring
  • Quadratic formula
  • Solutions & discriminant

Functions

  • Function notation
  • Domain & range
  • Composition
  • Inverse functions

Systems & Matrices

  • Systems of equations
  • Matrix operations
  • Determinants (basic)

Complex Numbers

  • Imaginary unit i
  • Operations with complex numbers

Logarithms & Sequences

  • Properties of logarithms
  • Arithmetic sequences
  • Geometric sequences
Core

Coordinate Geometry

Lines

  • Slope & intercepts
  • Parallel & perpendicular lines
  • Distance & midpoint

Curves

  • Graphs of parabolas
  • Graphs of circles
  • Transformations of graphs

Inequalities & Regions

  • Graphing linear inequalities
  • Systems of inequalities
Core

Plane Geometry

Angles & Triangles

  • Angle relationships
  • Triangle properties
  • Congruence & similarity
  • Pythagorean theorem

Polygons & Circles

  • Quadrilaterals
  • Regular polygons
  • Arcs & sectors
  • Inscribed angles

Area, Perimeter & Volume

  • 2-D area & perimeter
  • Surface area
  • Volume of 3-D solids
Advanced

Trigonometry

Right Triangle Trig

  • SOHCAHTOA
  • Special right triangles
  • Angles of elevation & depression

Trig Functions

  • Unit circle
  • Graphs of sine, cosine, tangent
  • Amplitude & period

Identities & Equations

  • Pythagorean identities
  • Solving basic trig equations

Section 04

Reading

Four passages from four genres, 10 questions each, in 35 minutes. The Reading section tests how carefully and quickly students extract meaning, evidence, and inference from a text.

Duration

35 minutes

Questions

40 (10 per passage)

Passages

4 genres, fixed order

The Four Reading Genres

Literary Narrative / Prose Fiction

Excerpts from short stories or novels — character, plot, mood, point of view.

Social Science

Anthropology, history, psychology, sociology — claims, evidence, and argument structure.

Humanities

Memoirs, personal essays, art, music, philosophy — tone, perspective, and authorial voice.

Natural Science

Biology, chemistry, physics, earth science — research findings and explanations of natural phenomena.

Reading Skills Tested

  • Key Ideas & Details
  • Main Idea & Author's Purpose
  • Supporting Details & Textual Evidence
  • Inferences & Conclusions
  • Vocabulary in Context
  • Comparing Paired Passages
  • Sequence of Events
  • Cause & Effect Relationships
  • Author's Tone & Perspective

Section 05 · Our Specialty

Science

A reasoning section, not a content quiz. The ACT Science section tests how students read scientific figures, interpret experiments, and evaluate competing viewpoints — 40 questions in 35 minutes.

Duration

35 minutes

Questions

40

Focus

Data & reasoning, not memorized facts

The Three Passage Types

Data Representation

Graphs, tables, scatterplots, and diagrams — read values, identify trends, and interpret relationships between variables.

Research Summaries

Descriptions of one or more related experiments — design, controls, variables, and the meaning of the results.

Conflicting Viewpoints

Two or more hypotheses or models on the same phenomenon — compare assumptions, evidence, and predictions.

Science Skills Tested

  • Scientific Reasoning
  • Graph Interpretation
  • Reading Tables & Figures
  • Experimental Design
  • Identifying Variables & Controls
  • Drawing Conclusions from Data
  • Comparing Models & Hypotheses
  • Predicting Outcomes
  • Quantitative Reasoning in Context

Section 06

Optional Writing

A 40-minute essay in which students evaluate three perspectives on a contemporary issue, develop their own perspective, and analyze the relationship between them. Scored 2 – 12 by trained readers.

Section 07

Skills Tested

The ACT measures far more than memorized content. These are the underlying skills that separate good scores from great ones.

Skill

Reading Comprehension

Extracting meaning, evidence, and inference from dense passages under time pressure.

Skill

Grammar & Usage

Recognizing correct sentence structure, punctuation, and rhetorical revision choices.

Skill

Mathematical Reasoning

Choosing the right structure or formula — not just running the calculation.

Skill

Scientific Reasoning

Interpreting experiments and comparing models, not recalling memorized facts.

Skill

Data Analysis

Reading tables, graphs, and figures with precision across Math and Science.

Skill

Critical Thinking

Identifying what each question is really asking before answering it.

Skill

Time Management

Pacing four tightly-timed sections so every question gets the time it deserves.

Skill

Problem Solving

Breaking multi-step problems into manageable, repeatable moves.

Skill

Logical Reasoning

Following definitions and constraints to the only answer they allow.

Section 08

Common Student Challenges

The patterns Mr. Sharma sees most often on the ACT — and exactly how each one is addressed during tutoring.

Section 09

Mr. Sharma's Teaching Process

A six-step path from diagnostic to test day, used with every ACT student.

  1. Step 01

    Initial Diagnostic Assessment

    A full-length diagnostic establishes the student's true starting point across all four ACT sections.

  2. Step 02

    Identify Strengths & Weaknesses

    Results are mapped to specific subtopics — not just section scores — so the plan targets the right work.

  3. Step 03

    Build Conceptual Foundations

    Underlying math, grammar, and science reasoning are rebuilt where needed so ACT strategies have something solid to stand on.

  4. Step 04

    Practice Official ACT-Style Questions

    Curated, ACT-aligned problems are worked through together on the digital whiteboard.

  5. Step 05

    Learn Time-Saving Strategies

    Section-specific pacing, elimination, and figure-reading techniques tuned to the ACT's fixed timing.

  6. Step 06

    Build Confidence Through Full-Length Practice Tests

    Regular timed practice tests turn preparation into performance — and reveal exactly what to refine next.

Section 10

Who Should Take ACT Tutoring?

One-on-one ACT tutoring is built for students with a clear reason to pursue a real composite score.

  • Students aiming for competitive colleges
  • Students preparing for merit-based scholarships
  • Students seeking significant composite-score improvement
  • Students who struggle with Math, Science reasoning, or pacing
  • Students preparing months in advance
  • Students retaking the ACT

Section 11

Why Study ACT with Mr. Sharma?

What families consistently point to when they describe the experience of preparing for the ACT with Mr. Sharma.

Included

30+ Years Teaching Experience

Decades of one-on-one and classroom instruction across every level of secondary mathematics and science.

Included

Mathematics Expertise

Deep, concept-based instruction across every ACT Math content area.

Included

Science Expertise

A trained scientist's perspective on data, experiments, and conflicting viewpoints.

Included

Digital Whiteboard Instruction

Live, written, step-by-step instruction that mirrors a real classroom whiteboard.

Included

Personalized Study Plans

Every session is built around the student in front of the camera — never a group class.

Included

Homework Support

Targeted assignments between sessions, with feedback the following lesson.

Included

Practice Tests

Full-length, timed practice tests scored and analyzed in detail.

Included

Time Management

Section-specific pacing strategies for the ACT's tight timing.

Included

Test-Taking Strategies

Elimination, estimation, and figure-reading techniques tuned to the ACT.

Included

Progress Tracking

Clear, ongoing measurement so families can see exactly where their student stands.

Section 13

Frequently Asked Questions

The questions parents and students ask most often about the ACT and how Mr. Sharma prepares his students.

Ready When You Are

Ready to Maximize Your ACT Composite?

Whether you're aiming to strengthen your mathematical foundation, sharpen your scientific reasoning, or achieve a competitive composite score, Mr. Sharma provides personalized instruction tailored to your goals, learning style, and current level of preparation.

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Begin

Start with a focused strategy conversation.

The strategy session is the first step of working together — a focused academic planning and diagnostic conversation used to understand the student before any ongoing academic support begins.

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