Reading Strategies and Test Tips

Success on the Praxis Core Reading test requires not just reading skills, but also effective test-taking strategies. This section covers practical approaches for managing your time and maximizing your score.

Test Format Overview

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Time Management Strategies

The 1.5-Minute Rule

With 56 questions in 85 minutes, you have about 1.5 minutes per question. However, not all questions require equal time:

Time Checkpoints

The Two-Pass Strategy

First Pass (60-65 minutes):

• Answer all questions you can solve quickly
• Mark difficult questions for review
• Don't spend more than 2 minutes on any question

Second Pass (20-25 minutes):

• Return to marked questions
• Use remaining time for careful analysis
• Never leave questions blank (no penalty for guessing)

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Reading Approaches by Passage Type

Short Passages (100-200 words)

Strategy: Questions First

1. Read the question(s) before the passage
2. Identify what you're looking for
3. Read the passage with purpose
4. Answer directly from the text

Why this works: Short passages are quick to read, and knowing the questions focuses your attention.

Long Passages (300-400 words)

Strategy: Skim-Question-Read

1. Skim (30 seconds): Read first paragraph, first sentence of each body paragraph, conclusion
2. Read questions: Note what's being asked
3. Read carefully: Now read the full passage
4. Answer questions: Return to specific sections as needed

Why this works: Skimming gives you structure; knowing questions helps you read actively.

Paired Passages

Strategy: Separate Then Synthesize

1. Read Passage 1 completely
2. Answer any questions about Passage 1 only
3. Read Passage 2 completely
4. Answer any questions about Passage 2 only
5. Answer comparison questions
6. Return to passages as needed

Why this works: Keeps the passages distinct in your mind before comparing.

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Question Analysis Techniques

Understanding Question Stems

Process of Elimination

Most questions have:

• 1 correct answer
• 1-2 clearly wrong answers
• 1 "trap" answer (close but not quite right)

Elimination strategy:

1. Cross out obviously wrong answers first
2. Compare remaining choices carefully
3. Return to passage to verify
4. Choose the BEST answer (not just a true statement)

Common Wrong Answer Types

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Passage Type Recognition

Informational/Expository

• Purpose: Explain facts or concepts
• Tone: Objective, neutral
• Structure: Often uses headings, clear organization
• Questions focus on: Main ideas, details, structure

Argumentative/Persuasive

• Purpose: Convince the reader
• Tone: May be passionate, critical, or concerned
• Structure: Claim, evidence, conclusion
• Questions focus on: Author's argument, evidence strength, rhetorical strategies

Narrative

• Purpose: Tell a story or describe events
• Tone: Varies with content
• Structure: Chronological or thematic
• Questions focus on: Character, plot, theme, author's craft

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Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Answering from Memory

Problem: You remember something from the passage but misremember details.

Solution: Always return to the passage to verify before selecting an answer.

2. Bringing Outside Knowledge

Problem: Using information you know but isn't in the passage.

Solution: Answer based ONLY on what the passage states or implies.

3. Falling for "Sounds Right" Answers

Problem: Choosing answers that sound sophisticated or match your expectations.

Solution: Verify every answer against the specific passage text.

4. Spending Too Long on One Question

Problem: Running out of time because one question took 5+ minutes.

Solution: Mark and move on; return if time permits.

5. Second-Guessing Correct Answers

Problem: Changing right answers to wrong ones on review.

Solution: Only change answers if you find clear evidence you were wrong.

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Day-of-Test Checklist

• Get adequate sleep the night before
• Eat a balanced meal before the test
• Arrive early to reduce stress
• Bring required identification
• Read each question carefully
• Budget your time with checkpoints
• Answer every question (no penalty for guessing)
• Mark difficult questions for review
• Use all available time - don't leave early