Which strategy is least recommended when approaching a long reading passage under time pressure?

Which strategy is least recommended when approaching a long reading passage under time pressure?

• A. Skimming for structure and main ideas
• B. Reading targeted sections and annotating
• C. Estimating answers before reading
• D. Reading the entire passage in depth from start to finish

Answer: (D)

In time-pressured long readings, the goal is to extract the needed information quickly rather than dive into every word. Skimming for structure and main ideas helps you map where different topics are discussed, so you know where to look for answers. Reading targeted sections and annotating lets you pull out the specific details or evidence you’ll need for questions without wasting time on unrelated parts. Estimating answers before reading trains you to allocate your time wisely and check whether you’re likely on the right track. Reading the entire passage in depth from start to finish, on the other hand, takes much more time than the task usually allows and often doesn’t yield proportionate benefits. It can slow you down, make you miss quicker routes to the information you need, and reduce your ability to answer questions efficiently.

In time-pressured long readings, the goal is to extract the needed information quickly rather than dive into every word. Skimming for structure and main ideas helps you map where different topics are discussed, so you know where to look for answers. Reading targeted sections and annotating lets you pull out the specific details or evidence you’ll need for questions without wasting time on unrelated parts. Estimating answers before reading trains you to allocate your time wisely and check whether you’re likely on the right track.

Reading the entire passage in depth from start to finish, on the other hand, takes much more time than the task usually allows and often doesn’t yield proportionate benefits. It can slow you down, make you miss quicker routes to the information you need, and reduce your ability to answer questions efficiently.