The Reading section is a major part of any standardized test you’ll take, including the ACT and SAT. Strong reading comprehension skills are crucial if you want to excel, not just on these tests, but throughout your academic journey. The good news? Reading comprehension is a skill you can absolutely practice and strengthen with the right approach. The better you understand what you’re reading, the more confidently you can answer the questions that follow. Here are a few simple, effective methods to help you boost your reading comprehension and feel more prepared on test day.
Create a Reading Study Plan
As we’ve discussed in a previous blog post, starting any academic goal with a solid study plan is crucial not only for excelling in your studies but also for strengthening your reading comprehension skills. Instead of aimlessly reading different passages, cramming the night before a test, or going into it with no plan, a structured reading plan will help you read consistently as you slowly yet surely build up your reading comprehension skills. For more tips on creating an effective study plan, check out our previous blog post on kick-starting your SAT/ACT prep with a solid study plan. It goes in-depth on how to organize your time and stay on track.
Practice Active Reading
The reading section of any standardized test is designed to challenge you—not just in terms of content, but in how well you can understand and analyze the information. One of the best ways to strengthen your reading comprehension is through active reading. Active reading is all about being intentional while you read. Instead of simply scanning the words, you’re engaging with the text. A few simple and effective ways to practice include underlining or highlighting key information, summarizing each paragraph in your own words, and asking yourself questions as you go to check your understanding. These are just a few strategies to get you started, but remember, everyone learns differently. Try out different methods and stick with the ones that help YOU learn the best.
Expand Your Vocabulary
Another great way to strengthen your reading comprehension skills is by expanding your vocabulary. As noted in PrepScholar, “reading and comprehension rely on a combination of vocabulary, context, and the interaction of words.” Running into unfamiliar words on test day can slow you down or throw you off. A great way to grow your vocab is by regularly reviewing new words and definitions, like with flashcards. You’ll improve your ability to understand what you read and answer questions more confidently, even when facing words, you may not know.
Conclusion
These are just a few simple strategies to help you improve your reading comprehension and feel more confident heading into test season. By executing these strategies in your test preparation, you’ll be setting yourself up for success. And remember, Advanced Test Prep is here to support you every step of the way. Explore our services to see how we can help you reach your goals!
