But, first, a word of caution. It is not just about speed, but understanding too. “Your focus while reading should be NOT to READ fast but to COMPREHEND fast,” warns Gejo Sreenivasan, Principal Consultant, Career Launcher.

What is speed reading?

Wikipedia defines Speed Reading as, “Speed reading is a collection of reading methods which attempt to increase rates of reading without greatly reducing comprehension or retention. Methods include chunking and eliminating sub vocalization. Speed reading is characterized by an analysis of trade-offs between measures of speed and comprehension, recognizing that different types of reading call for different speed and comprehension rates, and that those rates may be improved with practice.”

Practicing this would lead the CAT takers to attempt and score many Reading Comprehension questions. “Practice speed reading, as that is extremely crucial so that you can attempt maximum questions in the Verbal Ability section,” Glen D’silva, a student of IIM Ahmedabad (2009-11 batch) suggests.

Methods of Speed Reading

There is a difference between normal reading and speed reading. In normal reading, you tend to read every word carefully and take your own sweet time. But while you are practicing Speed Reading, you cannot afford to do so. There you are bound to read fast and the main words in the sentence to get the core of the passage. The reading speed too differs between the two.

As Wikipedia mentions, an average adult reads 250 to 300 words per minute. But the speed can increase 400 words per minute to 800 words per minute with some practice.

Vinayak Kudva, Product Head, IMS Learning have given following methods of Speed Reading:

• Focus on three to four main words in a sentence.
• Time your reading speed and decrease the time you take to read gradually.
• While reading, move your eyes fast from left to right, focusing on main words.
• Time yourself while reading. You should be able to read 200 to 250 words in a minute’s time.

Manish Saraf, COO, PT Education suggests Speed Reading method for beginners, “When you are starting out with your Reading Comprehension preparation, cut out passages, which have a similar style and are more or less of equal length. Determine your reading speed on day one. Let’s say it is 150 words per minute.

Read at that speed for sometime, say a week or something and after that, stretch yourself by increasing time constraints, say 150 words per 45 seconds.”

Books and practice for Speed Reading

Though Speed Reading is not just about reading books but understanding it. But still, to understand and improve the techniques and methods of Speed Reading, you can consult the following books:

•         ‘The Speed Reading Book’ by Tony Buzan.
•         ‘Teach Yourself Speed Reading’ by Tina Konstant, McGraw-Hill.
•         ‘Triple your Reading Speed’ by Wade E. Cutler, Simon & Schuster.