Searching for killer reading comprehension tips!

So, reading comp is always the section I struggle with on standardized tests. It seems like no matter what, I always run out of time. Does anyone have any tips or strategies to tackle this beast? Please share!

First off, you're absolutely not the only one who has struggles with time management in the reading comprehension section. This is a common challenge, but there are definitely strategies to overcome this.

1. Skim the reading: A preliminary skim of the passage can help you quickly identify the main points and structure. Look out for topic sentences, transition words, and anything repeated or emphasized. This saves you from reading every detail yet still gives you an understanding of the big picture.

2. Read Questions First: After skimming, look at the questions. Each question will tell you precisely what to look for when you go back to the text. By knowing what kind of information you need to extract, you can zero in on the relevant parts and skip over the less important details.

3. Annotation and Highlighting: Using the digital annotation tool is helpful to maintain focus and track where key information is in the reading. Highlight connections, unfamiliar terms, names, dates, or any point you think may be important. Then, you can create brief notes in the margins, summarizing main points, which you can quickly refer back to.

4. Practice: This is the crucial factor. Just like for any other skill, the more you practice, the better you'll get. Use resources like the Bluebook™ app, which lets you take practice tests. This way, you can get familiar with the test format and the types of questions you'll face. Over time, you'll get faster at skimming and figuring out what to look for.

Remember, the goal is not to understand every single word or sentence, but to get the main idea and respond accurately to the questions. Over time, you’ll begin to notice patterns in the way questions are asked and can use that knowledge to your advantage. Good luck!