Reading comprehension test can never be easy without speed reading. It helps in reading and comprehending information much more quickly. This makes speed reading an essential skill in any environment where you have to master large volumes of information quickly. Speed reading is one of the essential factors to achieve success in the IELTS reading module, or for that matter any other reading comprehension test.

Speed reading is the combination of various reading techniques that help to increase the pace of reading without reducing comprehension. The methods include chunking and eliminating subvocalization.

Most of the people who attempt speed reading face several problems some of which include lack of concentration or partial or impaired concentration, poor eye movement, short attention span, reading by heart, delayed reaction to information and material etc.

To avoid the aforementioned problems and gain mastery over speed reading, the following are few important tips:

• Develop the habit of reading regularly. Read as many English books, newspapers and magazines as you can get.

• Develop the habit of picking and choosing, which means focus more on the words and phrases that explain the main theme of the passage and less on the rest of the junk. When reading any passage, don’t try to understand every word. Try to make out the theme of the passage.

• When practicing reading, practice reading the entire comprehension passage. Readers often tend to read the same sentence or paragraph again and again. This is regarded as a bad practice which leads to wastage of time.

• Time management is another important factor. Set up a timer and see how you reading progresses from day one. Practice reading for one, two or five minutes and make a note of how many words you have read. Train yourself to read more and more quickly by setting up certain time frame.

• Make sure your reading does not get restricted to just reading. Analyse how much you are able to comprehend grasp from what you have read. At the beginning you or on day one you may comprehend least or nothing, but with continuous practice you can see remarkable change in just a few days.

• While reading, underline the sentences that convey the subject of the passage. This will help you locate relevant details quickly as you answer the questions, and minimize vertical scrolling and re-reading.

• Learn new vocabulary words to improve reading. While reading you may come across several new words. List them and know their meaning. This will greatly enhance your comprehending skills.