Timed Reading Drill
Practice answering reading questions under timed conditions to build speed and accuracy for standardized tests.
Why Practice with a Timer?
Time Management is a Key Test Skill
On standardized tests, you have limited time to read passages and answer questions. Practicing under timed conditions helps you work efficiently without sacrificing accuracy!
The SAT and ACT are timed tests. Even if you know all the answers, running out of time can hurt your score. That's why practicing with a timer is so important - it helps you build the speed you need while staying accurate.
Benefits of Timed Practice
- Build reading speed without losing comprehension
- Learn to pace yourself across multiple questions
- Reduce test anxiety by getting comfortable with time pressure
- Identify which question types take you longest
- Develop strategies for when you're running low on time
Typical Test Timing
Here's what timing looks like on major standardized tests:
Time Per Question (Approximate)
How to Approach Timed Questions
The FAST Strategy for Timed Tests
- F - First, skim the passage: Get the main idea quickly before diving into details
- A - Answers have evidence: Always look for proof in the passage
- S - Skip and return: If stuck, mark it and come back later
- T - Trust your first instinct: Don't overthink - your first answer is often right
Example: Timed Reading
Let's walk through how to efficiently read a passage and answer a question.
Sample Passage (Read in about 1 minute)
The octopus is one of the ocean's most remarkable creatures. With eight flexible arms and a soft body, it can squeeze through spaces no bigger than its eyeball. Scientists have discovered that octopuses are surprisingly intelligent - they can solve puzzles, open jars, and even recognize individual human faces.
Perhaps most amazing is the octopus's ability to change color in less than a second. Special cells in their skin called chromatophores allow them to blend in with rocks, coral, or sand to hide from predators. Some octopuses can even mimic the appearance of other sea creatures!
Question (Answer in about 1 minute)
According to the passage, why can an octopus squeeze through tiny spaces?
Timed Practice Drill
Now try answering questions under timed conditions. You'll have 90 seconds per question. The timer will change color as time runs low:
- Green = Plenty of time
- Yellow = Getting low (30 seconds left)
- Red = Hurry! (10 seconds left)
Timed Reading Drill
Drill Complete!
Check Your Understanding
Answer these questions about timed test-taking strategies.
If you're stuck on a hard question during a timed test, what should you do?
What is skimming, and why is it useful for timed tests?
On the ACT Reading section, you have about 35 minutes for 40 questions. About how much time is that per question?
Why might your first answer choice often be correct?
Next Steps
Remember the FAST Strategy:
- F - First, skim the passage for main ideas
- A - Answers have evidence in the text
- S - Skip and return if you're stuck
- T - Trust your first instinct
- Practice timed reading regularly - even just 10 minutes a day helps
- Track your times and accuracy to see improvement over time
- Gradually reduce your time limit as you get faster
- Move on to the next lesson to learn how to review your mistakes effectively