How can I improve my reading comprehension for standardized tests like the SAT or ACT?

Question

I'm struggling to understand and retain information from long reading passages, especially under time pressure. Are there specific strategies or practice methods that can help me improve?

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Answer 1

One reason most people have trouble retaining what they read is that they read passively and don't know how to read actively. You will find that it takes less time to read at a pace that allows you to think while reading. You'll capture the meaning overall and can focus on the details as well. It will take less time to slow down the pace and retain information than reading too quickly and needing to reread.

I have taught 95% of my students, seeking SAT and ACT preparation, how to read effectively. Students that are avid readers usually have already learned to read actively. There's reading to read and reading to learn. Reading comprehension applies to all subjects, even math.

Answer 2

Read "Complete Guide to ACT Reading".

Learn to read actively. Ask yourself these questions, and at least when practicing write it down in a few words. This is called a Map.

Main idea of the passage - what it discusses most

Main purpose of the passage - why was it written

Perspective - who is telling the story, what's going on with that narrator

Developmental Pattern - how is the passage written - narrative, facts and support, etc.

Know the characters - who is who

Know who is speaking or thinking

Underline facts, special punctuation (beyond period), transitions - they become important for detail questions

For each paragraph, write the main idea.

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Practice the techniques for finding answers:

Your Map

Line references

Keywords

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Know the question types, especially Big Picture (generally answered with your Map) vs Little Detail (answered with the underlines and the finding answers techniques).

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In general, come up with an answer before looking at answer choices. On ACT, this cannot be done with opposite questions (which didn't happen, for example) and timing questions (which happened first chronologically).

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Practice, practice, practice.

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For SAT the passages are short and the questions are a few types. Know the question types and the strategies for each one.

For example, questions that ask about NOTES, don't read the passage to find the answer. First look at the choices, eliminate those that don't address the student goal. 85% of the time, that's all you have to do. Only one will mention the student goal.

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I teach and help students drill the methods for ACT Reading and for SAT Reading - the question types and different methods for tackling each question type.

Answer 3

Great question, Haven! To improve reading comprehension on the SAT or ACT, focus on understanding the structure of the passage rather than memorizing details. Start by previewing the questions so you know what to look for, then actively summarize each paragraph in your head as you read. Pay close attention to the author’s tone and main idea. During questions, use process of elimination—wrong answers often include extreme wording or don't match the author’s intent. Finally, practice with timed drills using official materials to build both speed and accuracy. I’d be happy to help you apply these strategies one-on-one!