Time-Saving Multiple-Choice Reading Strategies to Help Students Succeed on the SAT, ACT, AP Lang, and AP Lit Tests

Multiple-choice sections on standardized tests like the AP Language and Composition, AP Literature and Composition, SAT, and ACT can be overwhelming for students, but with the right approach, they can maximize their accuracy and efficiency. Here are some key reading strategies to help students work smarter—not harder—on test day!

1️. Answer the Easier Questions First

Not all multiple-choice questions are created equal. Encourage students to prioritize the questions that take less time and yield a higher success rate. On the AP Lang exam, for example, the Composition/Editing passages come second, but they tend to be easier and quicker to answer than the rhetorical analysis questions. Tackling the low-hanging fruit first builds confidence and ensures they maximize their points.

2️. Read with a Purpose

One of the biggest time traps in multiple-choice sections is pre-reading the entire passage before attempting the questions. Instead, have students read the first question first, then read only until they can answer it. This strategy reduces unnecessary reading time and keeps students engaged with the test’s purpose-driven approach.

3️. Re-Read Key Lines for Targeted Questions

When a question directs students to a specific sentence or line number, they should always read at least one line before and one line after the cited portion. This helps them grasp the full context quickly, making it easier to eliminate wrong answer choices and select the best response efficiently.

4️. Save Whole-Passage Questions for the End

Main idea, overall purpose, and tone questions typically require a broader understanding of the passage. Instead of tackling these first, save them for last—after students have already engaged with the text through answering detail-based and structure-based questions. By then, they'll have a stronger grasp of the passage as a whole, making these questions easier to answer.

5️. Bubble-In Last-Minute Guesses Strategically

As time runs out, make sure students use their last 30–60 seconds to bubble in any unanswered questions. Instead of randomly guessing, instruct them to choose the same letter (A, B, C, or D) consistently for all remaining answers. Statistically, this increases their chances of getting some correct rather than spreading out their guesses randomly.

Final Thoughts: Reinforce Test Strategies with Practice

The best way to solidify these strategies is through consistent exposure. Try:
✅ Remediation exercises that break down question types and strategies. Check out these editable multiple-choice remediation charts for ANY reading test – grades 9-12! AP Language teachers: here are remediation charts designed specifically for you!
✅ Student-created multiple-choice questions to reinforce what each question is asking. AP Lang Teachers: check out this engaging, easy-to-implement multiple-choice activity!
✅ Timed practice sessions to build endurance and familiarity with the format

By implementing these strategies in your classroom, you’ll help students approach multiple-choice questions with confidence, efficiency, and a game plan for success!

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