ACT Reading Articles

Spanish, French, English, Language Arts and Test Preparation Tutor. Contact me today to schedule a lesson!

By Valerie A. | 6/13/2013 2:20 PM CST |

Hello!

Thank you for visiting my site!

I have 8 years of language teaching experience. I taught for 7 years at Princeton University and 1 year at the University of Notre Dame. It is truly a joy for me to help people reach their academic and personal goals. Please contact me as soon as possible to inquire about scheduling a tutoring session with me. I specialize in language arts, particularly Spanish, French, and English. I also have experience tutoring people of all ages, and helping them prepare for standardized tests.

I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Best regards,

Valerie

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The Test Prep Industry

By Kathryn S. | 5/21/2013 2:39 AM CST |

I'd like to rant, if I could, about the test prep industry, specifically as it relates to the SAT and the ACT.

THEY LIE. They give their students "practice tests" that aren't real practice tests! They make up their own "SAT" or "ACT" and train their kids on that and it makes me so mad, because they have no idea how to model such a test! It's like training someone how to spike a volleyball and then telling them that they're going to do great on their basketball game on Saturday. LIES, I TELL YOU!!

And THEN, they tell you that all you need to do in order to get ready for the test is study...

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SAT ACT Test Taking Tips

By Aaron G. | 4/29/2013 10:34 AM CST |

Be Prepared!

The night before, collect

plenty of sharpened #2 pencils
an eraser
a small pencil sharpener (in case your pencils break during the exam)
a watch (you cannot rely on the proctor and there may not be a wall clock or it may be on the wall behind your seat)
your calculator
your admission ticket
your identification
directions to the testing center
tissues
medicine (if necessary)
disposable earplugs (if you find the background noise of people coughing and fidgeting distracting)

It may be helpful to collect these items in a clear plastic (Ziploc) bag that you can grab and go in the morning...

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College and Your Passions

By Brooklyn L. | 4/9/2013 7:49 PM CST |

As the school year begins to wind down, I have noticed that many of the students I help have begun the journey of signing up for next years classes or, better yet, deciding where they will start the next chapter of their life in college. I began to reminisce on my Senior year of high school and how stressful that year was for me. It was so easy to become overwhelmed by all of the choices that (seemed to be) abruptly placed in front of me: what college should I go to? What should I major in? Should I choose a college close to home? Should I rush? Should I go to a college with all of my friends...

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Advice to my younger self- the student

By Lisa B. | 3/19/2013 8:54 PM CST |

IF I could go back in time and give my younger self some advice on how to be a better student, be more successful in school, life, etc, I would definitely tell myself that being involved in everything comes at a cost. It is better to find a few things that you like to do, do them well and often, than feeling stressed because there is so much on your plate at one time. Being a 'Jack of all Trades' it is natural for me to dip my toes in different waters- all at the same time, but that does not mean that I can give 100% to any of them at that time.

While I was able to get good grades (A- average)...

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Suggestions for finding the BEST tutor for your child or student.

By Paul C. | 3/8/2013 9:49 AM CST |

When interviewing a prospective tutor, parents should ask about the tutor's skills and experience, and find out if the tutor truly enjoys teaching. When the tutor feels enthusiastic about the subject, and communicates well, the student has an opportunity to learn to enjoy the subject too.

I recommend for parents to observe the first lesson to see the tutor's skills in action, and watch/listen carefully to future lessons when possible, to make sure the tutor has an encouraging, supportive attitude at all times. (Tutors should welcome and respond positively to the child's questions, and NEVER...

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Tips for Taking Multiple Choice Tests

By Sue C. | 2/25/2013 2:23 PM CST |

So, you have this big test coming up, it could be the ACT, SAT, MAP, End of Course Exams, or just a final and you are getting a little freaked out. Well, don't be. Here are some tips and tricks to taking a multiple choice test that work for any subject. Just realize that these tips and trick are not hard and fast rules, but just tips and tricks.

Multiple Choice Test Taking Tips:

- Read the question before you look at the answer.

- Come up with the answer in your head before looking at the possible answers, this way the choices given on the test won't throw you off or trick you.

- Eliminate...

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Reader's At Risk!

By Dr Faith H. | 2/1/2013 12:45 PM CST |

According to Grigg, Daane, Jin, and Campbell (2003), more than 8 million middle and high school students are struggling readers, and among those, many are at a high risk of dropping out of school. A longitudinal study conducted by the U.S. Department of Education National Center for Education Statistics (2009) revealed schools with a higher percentage of minority students had a higher dropout rate, which increased as the school poverty level increased. Hispanic students and Black students had the highest dropout rates (11% and 10%, respectively) of all racial groups. According to a local public...

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Getting Ready for ACT?

By Alicia S. | 12/7/2012 4:29 PM CST |

It's the time of year when most high school students begin to think about applying to college! Well, probably after Christmas, but the time is close. No doubt though, part of your plans include taking or retaking the ACT. While there are a lot of study items released online and in a plethora of books, much needed one-on-one tutoring can make a huge difference in your understanding of concepts versus memorizing random grammar rules or 'tricks'.

Grammar, although not the most glamorous subject, is not as bad as you might think. There are several concepts that are tested on ACT, and after a few...

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TutorFAQs

By Courtney H. | 11/9/2012 1:05 PM CST |

Q. Where will we meet for tutoring?
A. We will try to find a suitable place that is convenient for both of us. Though I do travel to meet you, time and distance are important factors in making this work feasible and profitable for me, so I try to find locations that minimize my travel time, while also providing convenience to you.

Q. How will we decide on a time to meet?
A. We will try to find a suitable time that is convenient for both of us.

Q. When are you available to tutor?
A. It varies from week to week, but my general availability begins at 10:00 a.m., Monday through Saturday, and ends...

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