Many students struggle with time management—there's a lot of text to read and analyze within the time limit. Others find it difficult to distinguish between main ideas and supporting details, or to make inferences based on implicit information in the passage. Some test-takers also have trouble with vocabulary in context questions, especially when unfamiliar words appear in complex sentences. Personalized tutoring helps you develop targeted strategies for each of these areas.

Effective strategies include active reading techniques like annotating passages, previewing questions before reading, and identifying the main idea first. Practice with retrieval—testing yourself on passage content rather than just re-reading—strengthens retention and comprehension. Breaking down complex sentences, tracking author's tone and purpose, and practicing with timed sections also build confidence. Tutors can help you discover which strategies work best for your learning style and refine your approach based on your specific weak areas.

Most students benefit from 4-8 weeks of focused preparation, though this varies based on your starting reading level and test anxiety. If you're working with a tutor, personalized instruction often accelerates progress because you're targeting your specific gaps rather than studying generic content. Many students see meaningful score improvements within 2-3 weeks of consistent, targeted practice combined with expert feedback.

Your first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment—either a practice test section or conversation about your reading strengths and challenges—so the tutor understands your starting point. You'll discuss your target score, timeline, and any specific areas where you struggle (like inference questions or vocabulary). From there, your tutor creates a personalized study plan focused on the strategies and content areas that will have the biggest impact on your score.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in PRAXIS Reading preparation and understand the specific skills tested on the exam. You can get matched with a tutor who fits your schedule and learning style, and tutoring is personalized to address your unique reading comprehension challenges. Whether you need help with test-taking strategies, passage analysis, or building speed and accuracy, you'll work with someone who knows the exam inside and out.

Both matter on the PRAXIS Reading exam, but comprehension is the priority—a fast read that misses the main idea won't help your score. The goal is to build efficient reading that balances speed with understanding. A tutor can help you develop strategies like strategic skimming for details, identifying key sentences quickly, and avoiding re-reading traps that waste time without improving comprehension.

Inference questions require you to read between the lines and understand what the author implies without stating directly. Practice by identifying what the passage explicitly says first, then ask yourself what you can reasonably conclude from that information. Look for clues in word choice, tone, and context. Working with a tutor gives you personalized feedback on your inference reasoning—they can show you where you're jumping to conclusions versus making solid logical connections based on the text.