<p>for the long passages, I've always read the questions, then went to the passage for reference. But I'm slowly seeing these high scorers actually reading the passage first. Is there actually enough time to do this?</p>
<p>My CR reading score isn't that hard, so I don't have to really resort to what WORKS FOR ME, cause what I'm doing isn't getting me my best score.</p>
<p>Always read the passage through once. I don’t even look at the questions until I’ve read the passage once.</p>
<p>skim the questions just long enough to read the line reference (usually in parenthesis) , but don’t waste time actually reading the questions yet; mark off the line references in the passage as you go (i.e., brackets, circle line number, whatever). NOW go back and read the whole passage, slowing down and absorbing the parts that are marked off, then answer questions.</p>
<p>:)</p>
<p>Noitaraperp’s guide is fantastic. <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-preparation/750399-how-attack-sat-critical-reading-section-effectively.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-preparation/750399-how-attack-sat-critical-reading-section-effectively.html</a></p>
<p>^^yes! that’s exactly where i got my technique, but i couldn’t remember which thread it was on. thanks for posting!</p>
<p>Hi guys,</p>
<p>In my case, I can’t finish the CR section even just by reading the passage through once and then referring back to it when I move on to the questions. Would it still be wise for me to practice using Noitaraperp’s method even when I don’t have enough time?</p>
<p>@nanotecch: no problemo :)</p>
<p>@dwarfwarri: That depends, how much longer do you have until the SATs?</p>
<p>I have untill May 1st. My second SAT will be in October.</p>
<p>You may want to ask someone experienced like silverturtle or millancad about what they think, but just out of curiosity, how long have you been using notaraperp’s method?</p>
<p>I haven’t started using it yet. Right now I’m just doing it the old fashioned way</p>
<p>You might want to try it for 1-2 weeks, if it doesn’t work for you, try going back to your method. It takes a lot of practice though.</p>
<p>I would highly suggest that you read one paragraph at a time (since it usually represents a complete thought) and answer any corresponding questions pertaining that portion of the text. Once you read a question that does not reference what you had previously read, return to the passage and continue the cycle again. It is by far the most efficient method for those who struggle with time constraints. But please resist the temptation to answer any general questions (tone, compare/contrast, main idea, and so forth) until finishing the entire passage. </p>
<p>For short passages, I read them completely through before answering the questions.</p>
<p>But please be aware that there is not a particular method that will universally maximize students’ reading scores. That is precisely why there are numerous schools of thought that seemingly posit the most effective reading method for standardized testing. It ultimately relies on one’s individual strengths and preferences since I highly believe that individuals do have a method that befits them best. Experiment a bit.</p>
<p>Mifune,</p>
<p>Do you mean that I should just read the paragraphs 1 at a time without looking at the questions then only checking and answering them after finishing each paragraph right? I think this is a good way since I kind of forget a lot of the passage by simply reading the whole thing through while trying to answer a line reference question.</p>
<p>How about:
underlining the line references from the questions first then stop to answer those line ref questions every time I finish reading one underlined section?Would this way be just as time efficient, or not?</p>
<p>The main problem I have with this passage reading is retaining what I just read lol. I seem to always forget right after I read it, so I like your method of 1 paragraph a time.</p>
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<p>Yes, that is the method. If you come upon a perplexing question or if you feel that you need to read on to better verify an answer choice, then it’s perfectly acceptable to refer to that question later.</p>
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<p>I agree. Poor retention is a commonly cited issue when one simply reads the entire passage without referencing the questions along the way. I believe that breaking the text into smaller, more manageable fragments boosts retention, facilitates active reading, and minimizes time constraints.</p>
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<p>I understand that many students have received success with that approach. I originally had used that method last school year for multiple choice tests in AP English Language, but I soon found that I was not achieving as well as I should have and consuming far more time than necessary. I chose to adopt the new approach and continued with it for the SAT. As for pre-referencing the questions, you will naturally spend a bit of time perusing the questions for line notations and underlining these, so no, it is often not as time efficient, but perhaps just as effective for producing favorable results. I would advise that you experiment for yourself since there is obviously more than one viable technique.</p>
<p>Thanks! </p>
<p>I think I will try the paragraph method first just so I can atleast finish all the questions on time lol.</p>
<p>I used what mifune described, going by paragrpahs and then doing the corresponding Qs, while leaving the general ones.</p>
<p>don’t read the questions 1st, its a waste of time, look for line/ paragraph references in the QUESTIONS and mark accordingly. then read the passages and slow down when you go to any marked areas. (if there’s 2 passages, read the 1st then answer all the questions dealing solely with that one, and then do the same with the other passage and then do the questions dealing with both). then for each question, quickly reference back to the passages to check ur answers</p>