How to Improve Reading Speed for CAT Exam 2024?

Improve Reading Speed for CAT Exam 2024: Reading Comprehension (RC) is a crucial part of the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section in the CAT exam. In this section, aspirants must read lengthy passages within a short time, so they need to have a good reading speed to excel. In this article, we will discuss tips and strategies to improve reading speed.

Candidates can practice the CAT Exam Mock Test by Jagran Josh to ace the exam.

Importance of Reading Speed in CAT 2024 Exam.

The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section contains 24 questions out of a total of 66. These 24 questions are further divided into Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension. In the past two years, Reading Comprehension questions have accounted for around 16 out of the 24 VARC questions. Therefore, it is crucial to perform well in this part, and reading speed plays an important role. Here are some points that highlight why reading speed is important in the Reading Comprehension portion.  

• It allows the aspirants to cover more content within the given time, enhancing their chances of attempting a higher number of questions.
• A higher reading speed enables the aspirants to quickly grasp the main ideas and key information in the passages, facilitating more efficient analysis.
• It helps to read and comprehend passages swiftly, leaving more time to answer questions accurately.
• Efficient reading speed helps for better time management during the exam.
• The CAT exam is highly competitive, a faster reading speed gives an edge over other candidates.

Strategies to Improve Reading Speed for the CAT Exam

Improving reading speed for the CAT exam requires a strategic approach along with lots of practice. Here are some tips to enhance your reading speed

Skim Through the Passage

Before diving into the details, quickly scan the passage to understand its structure, main ideas, and any key points. Start by reading the titles, headings, subheadings, and the beginning and end of the passage; highlight the important points. This will provide you with a roadmap for reading.

Stop Subvocalization

Subvocalization is the habit of pronouncing words in your head as you read. Try to minimize this habit, as it can significantly slow down your reading speed. Observe yourself to see if you are doing it. Then, practice reading without speaking in your mind until you are able to eliminate it completely.

Do not read word by word

Do not read each word separately, as it not only slows down your speed but also makes it harder to grasp the overall concept or idea being explained. Instead, read words in blocks. Try to read a phrase or sentence in one go, rather than focusing on individual words.

Tracing the Passage with a pointer

While reading sometimes, you might skip the actual line and word you have been reading and have to re-read that line or word. Use a pointer to avoid this unnecessary re-reading. A pointer could be anything that you can scroll through the text while reading. It could be your finger or a pen anything. 

Be concentrated

Sometimes, you may find yourself reading but lost in another world, in a state of subconsciousness. To avoid this, work on improving your concentration and avoid multitasking while reading. Additionally, remove any distractions around you.

Increase Eye Span

Sometimes, a person covers very little of whatever is written in a single glance without any change in the position of the eyes. Improve your eye span and move your eyes at a good pace over the lines. Again, see the block of words, rather than individual words.

Track your reading Speed

Note down the number of words you have been able to read within a minute. Then, set a target number of words which is higher than the current one. You have to repeat this exercise daily. Also, try to cover different genres. Read, read, and read a lot.