Timed Reading
Learn to read quickly and answer questions under time pressure. Building reading stamina now will help you succeed on future tests like the SAT and ACT!
Why Practice Timed Reading?
Time is Your Friend!
On big tests, you have a set amount of time to read passages and answer questions. Practicing with a timer helps you get comfortable reading at a good pace without feeling rushed.
🎯 What You Will Learn
- How to read passages quickly while still understanding them
- Strategies for finding answers in the text
- How to pace yourself so you finish on time
- Tips for staying calm when the clock is ticking
Reading Speed Strategies
Use these tips to read faster while still understanding what you read.
Read the Questions First
Look at the questions before you read. This helps you know what to look for in the passage.
Don't Read Every Word
Your eyes can take in groups of words at once. Practice reading phrases instead of single words.
Look for Key Words
Names, dates, and important words often help you find answers quickly.
Keep Moving Forward
If you don't understand something, keep reading. Often the next sentence helps explain it.
⏱️ Pacing Yourself
Good pacing means using your time wisely. Here is how to pace yourself:
- First: Spend about half your time reading the passage carefully
- Then: Use the rest of your time to answer questions
- Remember: It is better to answer all questions than to spend too long on one
- Tip: If a question is too hard, skip it and come back later
Practice Timer
Use this timer to practice reading for a set amount of time. Start with 2 minutes and work your way up!
Timed Reading Exercises
Complete these mini reading exercises to build your test-taking stamina. Each exercise has a short passage and questions. Try to finish before time runs out!
The Library Cat
Maple was no ordinary cat. She lived at the Pine Street Library and had an important job. Every day, children came to read books, and Maple would curl up next to them. She made the library feel warm and welcoming.
Mrs. Chen, the librarian, found Maple as a tiny kitten outside the library door five years ago. Now Maple was famous in town. She had her own library card and even appeared in the local newspaper. Children loved to pet her soft orange fur while they read their favorite stories.
Maple's favorite spot was the sunny window near the picture books. She would stretch out and watch the children pick out books. Some people said Maple could tell which books were the best ones because she always sat near the most popular shelves.
Question 1: Where does Maple live?
Question 2: How long has Maple lived at the library?
Question 3: What color is Maple's fur?
Question 4: What is Maple's favorite spot?
The School Garden
Last spring, the third graders at Riverside Elementary started a school garden. They planted tomatoes, carrots, and sunflowers. Every student had a job to do. Some watered the plants while others pulled weeds.
Mr. Rodriguez, the science teacher, taught the students about how plants grow. They learned that plants need sunlight, water, and good soil. The students kept journals where they drew pictures and wrote about their plants each week.
By summer, the garden was full of vegetables. The class donated their tomatoes and carrots to a local food bank. The sunflowers grew taller than the students! Everyone agreed that starting the garden was the best project they had done all year.
Question 1: When did the students start the garden?
Question 2: What did the students do with their vegetables?
Question 3: Who taught the students about plants?
Question 4: According to the passage, what do plants need to grow?
The Bike Race
Emma had been practicing for the town bike race for two months. Every morning, she rode her blue bicycle around the park before school. Her older brother Jake helped her train by timing her laps.
On race day, Emma felt butterflies in her stomach. There were twenty kids lined up at the starting line. When the whistle blew, Emma pedaled as fast as she could. She remembered what Jake taught her: stay steady and don't give up.
Emma didn't win first place, but she finished in fourth. She was proud of herself for not giving up when she got tired. Jake gave her a big hug and said, "You did amazing! That's your best time ever!" Emma smiled and knew she would race again next year.
Question 1: How long did Emma practice for the race?
Question 2: What place did Emma finish in the race?
Question 3: Who helped Emma train for the race?
Question 4: What lesson did Emma learn from the race?
Check Your Understanding
Answer these questions about timed reading strategies.
Quick Quiz
1. What should you do FIRST when you start a timed reading section?
2. If you don't understand a sentence, what should you do?
3. What should you do if a question is too hard?
What We Learned
Practice Makes Perfect
The more you practice with a timer, the more comfortable you will feel.
Read Questions First
Knowing what to look for helps you find answers faster.
Keep Moving
Don't get stuck. Skip hard parts and come back to them.
Stay Calm
Take deep breaths. You can do this!
Next Steps
- Practice timed reading for 5-10 minutes each day
- Try reading different types of passages (stories, science, history)
- Challenge yourself with shorter time limits as you improve
- Move on to Timed Math to practice math under time pressure