Have you ever read something and not recalled a word of what you just read? Do your eyes sometimes run over words without the slightest understanding? If so, you are not alone. 

Tests are important in this American education system. The high the score the better.  Reading is the currency of college classes. Therefore, reading comprehension and speed determine success or failure. Keep reading to learn how to increase speed and accuracy.

Imagine how much your test scores and your life would improve if you could read faster and more proficiently. The average college student reads at about 300 words per minute at a lexile score of 1300. But speed, isn’t the only indicator. The big question is: Do you understand what you read? 

Surprisingly, with some practice, a reading rate of 600-700 words per minute is attainable by most folks. Reading twice as fast means you could read twice as much material or spend only half the time; a valuable skill when reading is the currency of the test. Take your pick. The biggest factor to reading quickly is to also read accurately. You cannot separate the two. 

Here are some tips to really burn up the pages:

1. Focus deeply on anything you’re doing – reading or not. For example, if you’re going to relax, then really focus on relaxing. If you’re going to read, then really do your best to read. Little by little, you’ll strengthen your ability to focus and concentrate on your reading material. When you find your mind wandering from the task, bring it back to focus on the task at hand.

2. Avoid sub-vocalising. Sub-vocalising is when you say the words quietly to yourself as you read them. It’s a whisper that sometimes becomes louder without you knowing your volume is increasing. This habit disturbs those around you and will not be tolerated in a classroom nor a testing scenario. It’s just a bad habit that you can avoid. When you try reading at a faster pace than usual, then you won’t have time to ‘say’ the words. 

3. Use a pacing tool. Use your pencil to keep your focus moving along the lines that you are  reading. Simply move your tool across the page and/or down one side of the page as you go. This technique can really help with your speed and keep you moving forward. Once you’re comfortable with one speed, then you can move the tool a little faster.

4. Create the right reading environment. Good lighting is required. Ideally, the light should cast over your shoulder; not in your face. Also, you will read faster in a quiet environment that’s free of distractions. Ensure you’re comfortable and that you’ll be left alone. Avoid listening to music with words. Instead try classical music, jazz or even an upbeat hip hop instrumental. If you are reading on a device, turn the screen light up. Blue light filters help avoid eye damage.

5. Chunk the text. Your eyes can see a lot at one time. That means you can see more than one word at a time. Try reading two words at a time. Then try three. A good reader doesn’t need to look at more than one or two spots per line of text in an average novel. You don’t need to look at every word to see every word. Try it.

6. Keep moving forward. If you read slowly, it’s likely that you read a couple of words, then back up and re-read part of the same passage. Keep moving forward. If you can’t remember what you just read, then you need to either concentrate better or find a place to read that has fewer distractions.

7. Annotate as you read. Reading the same thing twice slows you down. To create reminders for yourself, circle key words like names and places. Quickly jot down main ideas in the margins. Underline dates. Highlight transition words.

8. Make a mind movie. Be visual. Those that read very quickly and who also understand what they read, report visualising the ideas presented on the page. A lot of our brainpower is dedicated to processing information via visual processes. There’s real speed and accuracy in this processing method. Imagine what you’re reading.

9. Regularly push your speed. Practice reading faster than you’re capable of reading. If you can only read 200 words per minute, force yourself to try to read at 250 words per minute. With a little time, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to see how comfortably you can read at 225 words per minute. 

10. Practice. Practice. Practice. Find things that you like to read and then READ!

Parents, help your children choose literature that is right for their level. Teachers use what is called a Lexile score which is a score of difficulty. The Lexile framework helps identify texts a child can read and understand. The scores run on a scale from 200 (beginner level) to 1300 (college level) Lexile scores can be determined on websites like lexile.com. 

Juniors, reading for details and for complete comprehension in your AP or IB classes is necessary for the types of writing that is required for those exams. But be sure to recognise that when you are taking the SAT/ACT, the reading requirements change. Know your lexile scores and push yourself forward.

Seniors, reading for the SAT/ACT is totally different that reading for the AP/IB classes. Do you know the differences? If not, consider taking a prep class. Understanding and developing your reading level will help you determine which test is best for you.

Learning to read quickly is a great self-improvement project. You can really save a lot of time and get more reading done faster. It can make you more efficient at school, doing homework, reading for timed tests or at work. It also helps to keep your brain active and healthy. 

Eliminate your bad reading habits and regularly push your speed. Eventually that faster speed will become more efficient and more comfortable.

If you’re not currently reading regularly, start. College students read a lot so the better you are at reading, the more success you will experience in your high school and college classes. Reading is one of the best habits you can cultivate that will ensure that you are on point when it counts the most. 

Reading is a lifelong skill that will pay off every single day of your life. When you increase your reading speed and accuracy, you multiply your ability to learn, grow, and benefit.