Grade: Grade 6 Subject: SAT/ACT Skills Unit: Passage Strategy SAT: Information+Ideas ACT: Reading

Timed Drill

Learn

Building speed while maintaining accuracy is essential for standardized test success. This lesson teaches you how to pace yourself effectively.

Why Timing Matters

On the SAT and ACT, you have limited time per passage. Learning to work efficiently now will help you succeed later.

  • SAT Reading: About 13 minutes per passage (5 passages, 65 minutes total)
  • ACT Reading: About 9 minutes per passage (4 passages, 35 minutes total)

The 3-Step Timed Reading Method

Step 1: Quick Preview (30 seconds)

  • Read the title and any introductory text
  • Glance at the first sentence of each paragraph
  • Note the topic and general structure

Step 2: Active Reading (3-4 minutes)

  • Read the passage at a steady pace
  • Underline key points mentally (or with your finger)
  • Do not re-read unless absolutely necessary
  • Focus on understanding the main idea and structure

Step 3: Answer Questions (5-6 minutes)

  • Answer easier questions first
  • Return to the passage only when needed
  • Eliminate obviously wrong answers
  • Do not spend more than 1 minute on any single question

Pacing Tips

  • Do not get stuck: If a question is too hard, mark it and move on
  • Trust your first instinct: Usually your first answer is correct
  • Watch the clock: Check your time after each passage
  • Practice regularly: Speed improves with consistent practice

Examples

Timed Drill Instructions

Set a timer for 8 minutes. Read the passage and answer all questions within the time limit.

Practice Passage (Time: 8 minutes)

Coral reefs, sometimes called the rainforests of the sea, are among the most diverse ecosystems on Earth. Although they cover less than one percent of the ocean floor, coral reefs support approximately 25 percent of all marine species. These underwater structures are built by tiny animals called coral polyps, which secrete calcium carbonate to form protective skeletons.

The relationship between coral polyps and algae called zooxanthellae is essential to reef health. The algae live within the coral tissue and provide up to 90 percent of the coral's energy through photosynthesis. In return, the coral provides the algae with shelter and the compounds they need for photosynthesis. This partnership is what gives coral its vibrant colors.

However, coral reefs worldwide face serious threats. Rising ocean temperatures cause coral bleaching, a stress response in which corals expel their zooxanthellae and turn white. Without their algae partners, corals can survive for only a short time before dying. Ocean acidification, caused by increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, makes it harder for corals to build their calcium carbonate skeletons.

Scientists and conservationists are working to protect remaining reefs and restore damaged ones. Some researchers are breeding heat-resistant coral strains, while others are creating artificial reef structures to give coral a foundation for growth. Despite these efforts, experts agree that reducing global carbon emissions is essential for the long-term survival of coral reefs.

Practice

Time yourself! You should complete all questions in the remaining time (about 4-5 minutes after reading).

1. The passage is primarily about:

  1. How coral polyps build reef structures
  2. The diversity, biology, and threats facing coral reefs
  3. Scientific methods for studying ocean ecosystems
  4. The effects of climate change on marine life

2. According to the passage, coral reefs support what percentage of marine species?

  1. One percent
  2. Twenty-five percent
  3. Fifty percent
  4. Ninety percent

3. The relationship between coral polyps and zooxanthellae can best be described as:

  1. Competitive
  2. Harmful to both
  3. Mutually beneficial
  4. One-sided

4. As used in the passage, "expel" most nearly means:

  1. Attract
  2. Force out
  3. Absorb
  4. Transform

5. The passage suggests that coral bleaching:

  1. Permanently changes coral color
  2. Is caused by pollution
  3. Can lead to coral death if prolonged
  4. Only affects certain types of coral

6. According to the passage, what gives coral its vibrant colors?

  1. Calcium carbonate
  2. The zooxanthellae algae
  3. Ocean temperature
  4. Coral polyp skeletons

7. The author compares coral reefs to rainforests in order to:

  1. Suggest that reefs are similar to land ecosystems
  2. Emphasize the incredible biodiversity of coral reefs
  3. Argue that rainforests are more important than reefs
  4. Explain how coral polyps function

8. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a threat to coral reefs?

  1. Rising ocean temperatures
  2. Ocean acidification
  3. Overfishing
  4. Increased carbon dioxide

9. The passage indicates that scientists are attempting to:

  1. Relocate coral reefs to cooler waters
  2. Breed coral that can survive higher temperatures
  3. Replace coral with artificial materials
  4. Eliminate zooxanthellae from coral

10. Based on the passage, the author would most likely agree that:

  1. Coral reefs will recover naturally without intervention
  2. Reducing carbon emissions is crucial for reef survival
  3. Artificial reefs are more durable than natural ones
  4. Marine species can adapt to life without coral reefs

Check Your Understanding

How did you do on time?

  • Finished early (under 7 minutes): Great pacing! Make sure you did not rush through questions.
  • Finished on time (7-8 minutes): Good job! This is the target pace.
  • Ran out of time: Keep practicing! Speed will improve with experience.

Answers

  1. B - The passage covers reef diversity, coral biology, and environmental threats
  2. B - Directly stated: "approximately 25 percent"
  3. C - Both partners benefit from the relationship
  4. B - Corals force out/push out the algae during bleaching
  5. C - "Corals can survive for only a short time before dying"
  6. B - "This partnership is what gives coral its vibrant colors"
  7. B - The comparison highlights biodiversity (rainforests are known for diversity)
  8. C - Overfishing is not mentioned in the passage
  9. B - "Breeding heat-resistant coral strains"
  10. B - Final sentence emphasizes reducing carbon emissions

Calculate Your Score

  • 9-10 correct: Excellent! Ready for more challenging passages
  • 7-8 correct: Good work! Review any missed question types
  • 5-6 correct: Solid start! Practice reading more carefully
  • Below 5: Review the passage strategies from earlier lessons

Next Steps

  • Practice timed drills regularly (aim for 3 times per week)
  • Track your time and accuracy to see improvement
  • Move on to the next lesson: Review Mistakes