May 24, 2012 by Yolanda Fontanez-Coleman | SAT Prep, Study Tips
When turning to a reading section of a SAT or ACT test, it is easy to turn our minds off because we know that a reading section entails a lot of focus, attention, and little room to allow our minds to wander. In order to help with this, it is important to be an active reader during the section. Reading passages are numerous paragraphs and may include more than one passage for a comparison, therefore being an active reader allows you to recall information to apply when answering multiple choice questions rather than wasting time to re-read passages or skim or just guessing an answering the question incorrectly. Being an active reader is not one set task, rather there are four components in which you can try to see which you are comfortable with in order to be active readers or combine a few to find which works best for you:
Summarize:
Read 1 paragraph at a time
If multiple passages, read 1 passage and answer the questions pertaining to that passage. Then read second passage and answer the remaining questions.
Take Notes:
Write three to four words next to each paragraph identifying the idea of the paragraph
Read with your pencil
Helps you stay focused on the text
Map the Passage by Highlighting:
Author’s main idea or purpose
Author’s tone or attitude
Main idea of each paragraph
Blog submitted by Meredith Mathers, Team Tutor Test Prep Specialist
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everything you are saying is true becuase for the SAT there is a lot of reading going on and sometimes when i read i would forget what the story is about becuase it would be so long however when i read i use my reading strategy that i learn in school and out.
you are so right ms.yolanda
It is amazing how these reading strategies are so effective! I am glad they are working for you Anya!