How to Balance Reading Speed and Comprehension in CAT 2025 RC Passages?

While tackling the Reading Comprehension (RC) section in the CAT exam, the biggest challenge aspirants face is balancing reading speed and the RC passages. The trick is to develop the ability to quickly read through the passages efficiently without missing out on the main essence and key points of the passages. The RC section in CAT 2025 tests your speed and accuracy under timed constraints. As per recent trends, around 16-17 questions are based on RC passages. Therefore, if you are planning to take on the test, you must prepare for the comprehension part strategically. The article deals with the strategies to balance reading speed and comprehension in CAT RC passages and how to increase accuracy during preparation.
Also Check - Decoding CAT 2025 VARC: Structure, Pattern, and Preparation Tips

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Effective Strategies to Balance Reading Speed and Comprehension in CAT 2025 RC Passages

The different ways in which students preparing to appear for the CAT 2025 exam can improve their reading speed for RC are given here. With these tips, you can easily understand how to improve your score in the reading comprehension section and answer related questions easily and efficiently.

Follow the Skimming Method

To save time during the CAT exam 2025, you should follow the skimming method while reading the passages. Which means, you do not have to read every word directly. Hunt for the main theme of the passage, the author’s tone and the structure of the passage to streamline the idea and reach a conclusion easily. This will save time, and also help you retain critical information.

Approach the Question Directly

If you find the CAT reading comprehension bit difficult to grasp at one go, refer to the type of question asked from the passage. This will provide you with a hint of the main idea of the passage. With the help of questions, you can save time understanding the passage in depth.

Identify your Reading Speed

Before preparing for the comprehension in the CAT RC passages, you must know your original reading speed, i.e., words per minute. Generally, the CAT RC passages are usually of 500-600 words, which takes 4-5 minutes of reading. You must track the time taken to read the passages and increase reading speed over time.

Practice Increasing the Eye Span

The term ‘eye span’ in reading refers to the maximum number of words that the individual can read in a single glance without any change in the position of the eyes. On average, the individual can read 280 words per minute. But for the CAT RC passages, this has to reach a minimum of 450-500 words per minute. This can be increased by practicing more reading constantly by tracking time.

Additional Tips:

• Regularly read newspaper editorial columns from 'The Economist' or 'The Hindu'.

• Use a marker or pen to guide your eyes and reduce regression.

• Focus on chunk reading, where you can break down a group of words into smaller text instead of processing each word individually.

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Many students preparing for the CAT exam find the comprehension in the CAT RC section challenging because it has long passages and difficult, in-depth questions. However, with the right approach and following correct preparation techniques, the difficulty can be managed effectively. You must understand that the best way to solve reading comprehension questions is through knowing techniques, constant practice, and efficient time management. Focus on marking maximum questions in the minimum time, and not just on reading fast.

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