ACT Reading: Preview Passages in 60 Seconds to Read Faster

Before you read the passage, spend 60 seconds previewing: (1) Read the title or heading (10 sec). (2) Scan the first and last paragraphs for main idea (20 sec). (3) Look for any subheadings or visual breaks (10 sec). (4) Note any dates, names, or numbers that jump out (10 sec). (5) Predict what the passage will argue or explain (10 sec). This preview activates your brain and gives you a mental roadmap, so when you read the full passage, you are not seeing it for the first time. Students who preview read 20% faster and understand 30% better because they know what to expect and can focus on details instead of hunting for main ideas.

Example preview: Title is "The Impact of Industrial Farming." First paragraph mentions "crop yields" and "environmental cost." Last paragraph returns to environmental cost. You now know the passage argues that industrial farming is a trade-off. Read with this expectation and you focus on what trade-offs the author discusses, not searching for the overall point.

Mistake 1: Spending too long previewing. (You lose the time savings.) Stick to 60 seconds. Mistake 2: Reading the entire first paragraph. (Skim it, do not read every word.) Mistake 3: Assuming your preview prediction is gospel. (It is a guess; stay flexible.) Avoid these three mistakes and your preview will speed you up without slowing you down.

Time yourself previewing three passages. You should finish in 60 seconds or less. If you take longer, you are reading too carefully; preview is a skim, not a read.

Take four practice passages. For each: (1) Preview in exactly 60 seconds. (2) Write your prediction about the main idea. (3) Read the passage fully. (4) Check if your prediction was right. Most of the time, it will be. This routine teaches your brain to extract key information quickly, a habit that speeds up your reading by 25% by test day.

Do this routine once per week for three weeks. By test day, previewing will be automatic and intuitive.

ACT Reading is a race against time. Many students run out of time on the last passage and guess. A student who previews each passage saves 5 minutes over the four passages, time she can use to answer harder questions more carefully. The time savings from preview alone can improve your Reading score by 1-2 points per test section, or 1-2 points total.

This week, practice the 60-second preview. By test day, you will cruise through passages with a clear roadmap and finish with time to spare.