<p>One doesn't have to read avidly like some of these posters (who probably have a lot of or too much free time) are saying. It's a simple matter of learning words and trying to keep them in the head. There's nothing wrong with cursorily reading something that is interesting. The passages are probably harder than the fill-ins because it takes time to read them, and there isn't enough of that quantity on the SAT to flounder around too much.</p>
<p>I'm currently tutoring for ACTs (some 7th graders for CTY), and I liked one of the things it said in my ACT practice book. It said that Reading was not about "comprehending and remembering", it was about "finding and paraphrasing."</p>
<p>I went up 30 points from one test to another when I read the questions first and skimmed for the answers. I seriously think that because the passage is right there, it makes more sense.</p>
<p>Read, anything and everything. You don't have to read classic novels, just practice speed reading and understanding words in context. Also, maybe try reading the questions first, quickly looking for the answers, then reading it through, I found that that worked well for me.</p>
<p>To build on what everyone's saying, there really is no substitution for reading. However, it's probably wise to supplement your reading with SAT-specific practice. I found that the SAT was a lot like a test you might see in school; in that you are able to study for it to get better. My advice would be to get and study:</p>
<p>a) Rocket Review Revolution (cheesy title, good strategies)
b) Direct Hits Vol. 1 and 2 (the best SAT vocab list. Period)
c) The Official Collegeboard SAT Book and the Online Course (known as the BB and OC)</p>
<p>If you can't obtain all of these, simply go for the BB and OC and do every single CR section, and check over your answers. If you can get the other books, definitely study them in conjunction with your test practice.</p>
<p>If you do all the above, with reading (you have lots of time) I see no reason why you cannot achieve 700+.</p>
<p>Does reading help? Yes. </p>
<p>Is it necessary? No. </p>
<p>When you do a critical reading passage in essence you are reading while pondering the questions, while familiarizing yourself with the standardized test format. Getting 700+ with this alone should be enough. </p>
<p>I agree that if you want to constantly hit 800 you need to do it the natural way and pick up a book. </p>
<p>It's a matter of how much time you have to prepare for the test. If you are a freshman start reading; if you have 1 month do tests.</p>
<p>I agree with supaphreek you need to work on practice tests from the BB but add Direct Hits in for additonal vocabulary that you will need to know for the test. It worked for me.</p>
<p>I definitely agree, I've been constantly hitting mid 600s for CR for a long time. I did a lot of practice tests and after 4 or so I begin to hit around above mid 700s ecause after you get used to reading the passages and answering the questions, the passages you read will become easier to digest and you'll get used to the question formatting. It is also crucial that you review your wrong problems because those are the type of questions that you need to be careful and pay attention on. Trust me, practicing work, that was the only way that I received a perfect score. And also, vocabulary is also very crucial! Learn all the Vocab on the Offical SAT Guide! They seem to pop up everywhere!</p>