What is one effective strategy for success in the Reading section?

Skimming texts for main ideas is an effective strategy for success in the Reading section because it allows test-takers to quickly grasp the overall message of a passage without getting bogged down by every detail. By focusing on the main ideas, readers can identify the purpose and key points of the text, which is essential for answering comprehension questions efficiently. This technique helps improve time management during the test, enabling students to cover more material in less time and to prioritize understanding over detailed analysis.

Other strategies, such as reading every word carefully, can be time-consuming and may lead to unnecessary stress, especially under timed conditions. Making notes on each paragraph may be helpful for some, but it can also slow down the reading process and detract from the big picture understanding needed for the reading section. Highlighting important vocabulary can aid in retaining specific information, but it may not be as effective for summarizing the overall context and themes of the passage. Therefore, skimming for main ideas strikes a balance that is particularly valuable in a test setting.