Whether you’re preparing for the DSAT, SAT, or just looking to boost your reading skills, becoming an efficient and accurate reader can make all the difference. Here’s how to build speed, sharpen focus, and improve comprehension—without compromising on accuracy.
1. Enhance Your Reading Speed
Timed practice alone won’t help you read smarter. Instead, adopt these proven strategies to boost your reading efficiency:
- Don’t read line by line. Start with the introduction and conclusion to get a sense of the structure.
- Skim strategically. Look for keywords like “however,” “in contrast,” and “for example” to identify important shifts or examples.
- Use your peripheral vision. Train your eyes to scan across lines quickly without fixating on every word.
- Practice under time pressure. Use short passages to build comfort and pace in test-like conditions.
2. Improve Comprehension
Speed is useless without understanding. To boost your comprehension while reading:
- Ask yourself: What’s the main idea of this paragraph?
- After each paragraph, pause. Mentally summarize it in a single sentence.
- Track the author’s tone. Is it supportive? Critical? Neutral? Tone often reveals the author’s intent.
- Watch for contrast words. These signal important turns in argument and are frequently tested in questions.
3. Avoid Common Reading Mistakes
Even strong readers fall into traps. Avoid these pitfalls to stay sharp:
- Don’t rely solely on memory. Always go back to the passage to double-check details.
- Be wary of extreme answer choices. These are often designed to mislead.
- Don’t get stuck. If a question is too time-consuming, skip and return later.
- Don’t assume. Focus only on what’s explicitly stated or logically implied in the passage.
Final Thoughts
Reading like a pro isn’t about rushing through paragraphs—it’s about mastering strategy. By combining speed techniques with strong comprehension habits and avoiding common traps, you’ll navigate even the trickiest reading sections with confidence.
