How to Improve Your Reading Speed for CMAT Language Comprehension?

CL Team January 06 2025
4 min read

The CMAT (Common Management Admission Test) is a popular MBA entrance exam in India, known for testing candidates on various skills, including language comprehension. One of the biggest challenges that candidates face in the language comprehension section is reading lengthy passages quickly while understanding the core message and answering questions accurately. Improving your reading speed can help you save time during the exam and improve your overall performance.

For aspirants in Nagpur, Career Launcher Dharampeth stands out as the best coaching center for CMAT preparation. They offer specialized training for CMAT and other MBA entrance exams like CAT, XAT, GMAT, and more. With their expert guidance and proven strategies, you can significantly enhance your reading comprehension skills.

In this blog, we will explore effective strategies to improve your reading speed for the CMAT language comprehension section without compromising accuracy.

Why Is Reading Speed Important for CMAT Language Comprehension?

The language comprehension section in CMAT involves reading passages and answering related questions. These questions can range from factual details to inferential reasoning. If you are a slow reader, you may find it difficult to complete this section within the given time frame, which can impact your overall score.

Improving your reading speed will help you: • Save time for other sections of the exam. • Answer more questions accurately. • Reduce exam stress and fatigue.

It's important to maintain a balance between speed and understanding. Reading quickly but failing to understand the passage won’t yield good results. Let’s dive into some practical tips to enhance both your speed and comprehension.

10 Tips to Improve Reading Speed for CMAT Language Comprehension

  1. Practice Active Reading
    Active reading involves engaging with the text by asking questions, predicting outcomes, and summarizing paragraphs in your mind. This method helps you stay focused and enhances your comprehension skills, even when reading at a faster pace.
    Tip: Use a pen or your finger to help direct your eyes as you read through the text. This prevents distractions and keeps your reading pace steady.
  2. Expand Your Vocabulary
    A strong vocabulary makes it easier to understand the passage quickly. If you frequently encounter unfamiliar words, you’ll slow down to grasp their meanings, which hinders your reading speed.
    Tip: Read newspapers, magazines, and books regularly. Create a list of new words and learn their meanings to build your vocabulary over time.
  3. Use Skimming and Scanning Techniques
    • Skimming is reading quickly to get the gist of the passage.
    • Scanning involves looking for specific information or keywords.
    These techniques are essential for identifying important points in the passage without reading every word. Practice these methods to improve your efficiency in the language comprehension section.
  4. Avoid Subvocalization
    Subvocalization is the tendency to silently articulate words in your mind while reading. This slows down your reading speed significantly.
    Tip: Try reading without mentally pronouncing the words. Focus on understanding the overall message instead of every individual word.
  5. Read in Chunks
    Instead of reading word by word, train yourself to read groups of words or phrases at a time. This helps you process information faster and reduces the time spent on each sentence.
    Tip: Start by grouping two to three words together and gradually increase the chunk size as you improve.
  6. Set a Time Limit
    When practicing comprehension passages, set a timer to track your reading speed. Try to read a passage within a specific time frame and gradually reduce the time limit as you improve.
    Tip: Use mock tests and online resources to practice timed passages.
  7. Eliminate Distractions
    Distractions can slow down your reading speed and reduce comprehension. Find a quiet environment to practice reading, and focus solely on the task at hand.
    Tip: Turn off your phone or any notifications to maintain complete focus.
  8. Use Technology
    Several online tools and apps are designed to improve reading speed. These tools help you track your progress, adjust your reading speed, and provide real-time feedback.
    Tip: Use apps like Spreeder or Speed Reader to practice speed reading.
  9. Read Different Types of Content
    CMAT passages can cover various topics like business, science, literature, and current affairs. To prepare effectively, expose yourself to different types of reading material.
    Tip: Read newspapers, journals, online articles, and books from diverse genres.
  10. Join a Coaching Program
    Enrolling in a coaching program like Career Launcher Dharampeth, Nagpur can provide personalized guidance to improve your reading speed and overall CMAT preparation. With structured study plans and mock tests, you can enhance your language comprehension skills efficiently.

Practice Exercise: How to Test Your Reading Speed

Here’s a simple exercise to track your progress:

  1. Choose a passage of around 500 words.
  2. Set a timer for 2 minutes.
  3. Start reading the passage.
  4. After 2 minutes, note down how many words you’ve read.
  5. Calculate your words per minute (WPM) rate.
  6. Aim to gradually increase your WPM rate over time.

The Role of Mock Tests in Improving Reading Speed

Taking CMAT mock tests regularly will help you: • Get familiar with the exam pattern.
• Improve time management skills.
• Track your reading speed progress.

Career Launcher Dharampeth, Nagpur, provides full-length mock tests and detailed analysis to help you identify areas that need improvement.

Summary:

Improving your reading speed for the CMAT language comprehension section requires consistent practice and the right techniques. By implementing the tips mentioned above, you can enhance both your reading speed and comprehension accuracy, leading to better results in the CMAT exam.

For aspirants looking for expert guidance, Career Launcher Dharampeth, Nagpur, is the best coaching center for CMAT and other MBA entrance exams like CAT, XAT, and GMAT. Their experienced faculty and personalized approach can help you achieve your dream of getting into a top B-school.

Start practicing today, and watch your reading speed and confidence soar.