Active Reading Strategies

Reading an LNAT passage is not the same as reading a novel or a textbook. You are reading under extreme time pressure — approximately 8 minutes per passage, including answering 3 or 4 questions. To succeed, you need an active, strategic approach to reading that extracts maximum understanding in minimum time.

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Why Active Reading Matters

Passive reading — letting your eyes move over the words without engaging critically — is the single biggest cause of lost marks in Section A. Passive readers:

• Reach the end of a passage without a clear sense of the argument
• Need to re-read large sections to answer questions
• Miss subtle distinctions that questions frequently test
• Run out of time on later passages

Active reading is deliberate, focused, and goal-oriented. You are not reading for pleasure or general understanding — you are reading to deconstruct an argument.

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The Three-Phase Reading Method

This method is designed for LNAT time constraints. It takes practice to develop, but once it becomes habitual, it significantly improves both your speed and accuracy.

Phase 1: Skim (60–90 seconds)

Read the passage quickly to build a mental framework: