Time Limit for SAT Critical Reading

Test Preparation
1

<p>Hi, I just started using the method of [How</a> to Attack the SAT Critical Reading Section Effectively](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-preparation/750399-how-attack-sat-critical-reading-section-effectively.html]How”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-preparation/750399-how-attack-sat-critical-reading-section-effectively.html) on my first ever practice SAT CR section (I did all three sections of CR in roughly one go).</p>

<p>I noticed a significant increase in my score from that of my year-old PSAT (59 => ~700), but I also ran over the time limit significantly. Specifically, I seem to have taken 5 more minutes on the second section (which consists of Sentence Completion, 2 Short Passages, and 2 Long Passages) of CR.</p>

<p>Does anyone have any tips on how I can improve my speed with this method (or will it just come with more practice)? How much time should I take on each aspect of the section (SC, Short Passages, and Long Passages)?</p>

<p>Thanks for your help!</p>

2

<p>I think if you just do a lot of practice tests and time yourself on them, you’ll improve on time. I don’t have an exact breakdown of how much time you should spend on each passage, but just read each one carefully enough so that you understand what the passage is talking about, the passage’s tone, purpose, etc. and then move on and answer the questions. Remember every answer to every question that refers to the passage is IN the passage. So, don’t put words into the author’s mouth. Even if an answer seems right, if the passage doesn’t say it, it’s probably not right. Of course, there are infer questions so don’t think the answers will always be obvious. I think they’re generally obvious enough so that they’re implied but not blatantly obvious so that they’re just paraphrased. Sorry if this doesn’t help. Practice makes perfect! Good luck!</p>