Strategy: The LoopStep One:

• Find lead words – 30 seconds– Find the lead words and phrases “key words” in

the questions and mark them

– IF a question does not contain lead “key” words than skip it!

The LoopStep Two:

• Scan the passage – 30 seconds– Scan the passage for the “lead words” you

highlighted in question as well as words that are similar or similar in meaning of the lead words

– Scanning the passage means your eyes should go over the entire passage FAST to try and spot the identified lead words

How does step one and two help you?

• You avoid wasting time to read and comprehend the entire passage

• You identify places in the passage likely to provide answers to questions you will be asked – it is these places that you will read more carefully when the time comes

The LoopStep Three:

• Skim and Scribble• Skim – read FAST – uncomfortably FAST• Scribble – jot notes in margin after each

paragraph – what is it about?

• When skimming and scribbling look for trigger words – they signal a change in direction in the passage

Trigger words:

• Despite• However• In spite of• Yet• Notwithstanding• Ironically• Therefore• Rather

• Hence• Unfortunately• Consequently• But• On the contrary• On the other hand• nonetheless

The LoopStep Four: Practice the Loop

• You should have 40 seconds per question IF you are trying to complete all 4 passages

• 1 – go to first question that points to an answer. Read it carefully and make sure you understand what it is asking

• 2 – Return to appropriate portion of passage (either you underlined it or the question sends you there) – READ IT CAREFULLY – and formulate your own answer

• 3 – Go back to the question and pick the answer choice that resembles your personal answer the most

• *****LOOK OUT FOR YOUR DISTRACTERS*******

Strategy Recap

• Start with the reading passage that you are most interested in

• Practice “The Loop” to familiarize yourself with questions and potential answers

• Triage – if you don’t know – bale on it and come back – should read each question 3 times before…

• Letter of the Day!