The Speed Reading Test: Gauging Your Progress

It's a popular misconception that speed reading is just for geniuses. It's hard enough sometimes reading slowly. How can one read and comprehend dozens of complicated pages within minutes? With a little research, you'll find that speed reading is a skill like any other, and once learned it you can begin perfecting it. To figure out your aptitude or natural ability, take a free speed reading test online. You will learn your existing level and try to match it with speed reading tests in the future, to see how much progress has been achieved. if you've taken a class and followed the steps recommended for improvement, chances are you'll be increasing your score on every speed reading test you take. It definitely is possible to speed read -- you just have to try.

How to Learn

There are a variety of materials available when learning how to speed read. Your local library will probably have a few tapes on the subject, or if they seem too archaic you should try a large bookstore, in the self-help section. Audio tapes are good because you can focus on reading without burying your head in a book. Sounds crazy, right? There are musicians who read for inspiration, too. Usually, the audio tapes will be accompanied by a booklet containing a speed reading test, so you can continually chart your progress.

Of course, there are a number of books on the subject. The obvious advantage is that there will be examples included in the text , so you can practice while you absorb the lessons. In fact, as the lessons go by, you'll find yourself burning through the pages of your self-help book.

Finding a Teacher

Like anything else, you can find a teacher to show you the ropes in this puzzling skill. Any teacher will start you off with a speed reading test and offer tips on how to begin. Many will guarantee a higher speed by the end of the first course (speed teaching, even). It is right to be skeptical, but if you see results after a couple of classes, maybe it is the right fit for you. A quick search on the online marketplaces like Craigslist.com will turn up a number of options. You can also ask around or simply do a Google search on the subject.

But you will learn, whatever way you try it. You don't need a 1600 on your SATs or a scholarship to Harvard, you just need to be willing to experiment with a different technique. It will take concentration and a keen mind. But after your first speed reading tests, you will see that impossible is just a word.