how to improve comprehension

I feel like my reading comprehension is letting me down, especially when it comes to ACT/SAT passages. Has anyone got any tips or techniques to improve? Please share, I need all the help I can get!

Improving reading comprehension can be a game-changer when preparing for the ACT or SAT. Here are a few strategies that might help:

1. Active Reading: When reading a passage, underline key ideas, make notes in the margins, or circle unfamiliar words to look up later. By engaging with the text, you'll develop a more concrete understanding of what you're reading.

2. Preview the Questions: Before reading the passage, skim through the questions to have an idea of what information you'll need. Knowing what you'll be asked can guide your reading, since you know what to look for in the text.

3. Chunking: Try breaking up the passage into smaller sections (chunks) and summarizing the main point of each chunk as you go along. This strategy prevents you from getting overwhelmed and enables you to process the information more efficiently.

4. Vocabulary Building: A strong vocabulary can dramatically improve your understanding of the texts. Regularly review common SAT/ACT words, make flashcards, or use vocabulary building apps.

5. Read Critically: Try to understand the main argument of the author and how they support their points, as many test questions will ask you to explain why or how a point is being made.

6. Practice: Finally, the most effective strategy is consistent practice. Use reading comprehension exercises and practice mock tests under timed conditions to become more accustomed to the test format, but also do your best to develop a more general habit of reading. Reading books, magazines, newspapers, and so on, across a wide range of genres, will make you more confident and capable when tackling new texts, and can teach you information that applies to other areas of your studies and life to boot!

Remember, reading comprehension is much like any other skill and will improve with dedicated practice and time! Don't get discouraged if progress seems slow; this is a marathon, not a sprint. Good luck!