The scenario is typical: you are a high school student with an ambition to go to study law at Oxford, Cambridge or the LSE. You've performed excellently in your A-levels and the only barrier is this additional test, the LNAT! Unfortunately, The LNAT is more than just another test; it is a test of speed and you will need to display advanced speed reading techniques. The difficulty is this: you have 95 minutes; 42 questions; 12 passages, and you are expected to read, comprehend and then respond to the questions. It works out to roughly 8 minutes per passage! For most students used to careful, methodical reading, this feels impossible. But with the right techniques, you can master it.
Core Speed Reading Techniques
The Pointer Method: Your Reading Guide
The pointer method is a simple but powerful tool that can instantly boost your reading speed. By using a pen or your finger to guide your eyes along each line of text, you create a steady visual anchor that keeps you focused and moving forward.
Why it works:
Maintains a consistent reading pace throughout your practice
Prevents your eyes from wandering or getting distracted
Reduces the urge to re-read words you've already processed
Builds a natural, smooth reading rhythm
How to practice:
Start with easy texts and move your pointer smoothly across each line as you read. Focus on following the pointer without stopping or going back to previous words. Gradually increase your speed while making sure you still understand what you're reading. Once you feel confident with simpler material, apply this technique to LNAT-style passages and time yourself to track improvement.
Chunking: Reading in Phrases, Not Individual Words
Chunking transforms how your brain processes text by training you to read groups of words together instead of one word at a time. This technique can dramatically increase your reading speed from the typical pace to over 500 words per minute, essential for LNAT success.
Why it works:
Allows you to process multiple pieces of information simultaneously
Moves your reading speed well beyond average speaking pace
Helps you grasp the meaning of entire phrases more quickly
Reduces mental processing time for each line of text
How to practice:
Focus on reading short phrases of 3-5 words instead of individual words. Train your brain to visualize the meaning of these word groups without mentally "hearing" each word. Use timed exercises to gradually expand how many words you can process in each visual glance. Practice specifically with argumentative passages similar to LNAT content to build familiarity with complex academic language.
Eliminate Your Inner Voice: Breaking the Subvocalization Habit
Subvocalization, that mental voice that "speaks" each word as you read, is your biggest barrier to speed reading. This habit limits your reading speed to speaking pace (around 150-250 words per minute), which simply isn't fast enough for LNAT success.
Why it works:
Frees you from the natural speed limit of spoken language
Allows your brain to process text visually rather than auditorily
Transforms reading from a listening experience into a seeing experience
Opens up the potential for much faster information processing
How to practice:
Count numbers or hum quietly while reading to keep your inner voice occupied with something else. Focus on visualizing the concepts and ideas in your mind instead of hearing the words. Use rapid reading drills that force you to process text faster than you could possibly speak it. Keep practicing until reading starts to feel more like watching a movie than listening to someone talk, this shift in sensation indicates you're successfully breaking the subvocalization habit.
Advanced Strategies for LNAT Section A
Master Skimming and Scanning
Not every word in LNAT passages carries equal weight. Learn to identify what matters:
Skimming strategy:
Read first and last paragraphs completely
Read first sentence of each middle paragraph
Look for transition words and concluding phrases
Spend 2-3 minutes getting the big picture
Scanning strategy:
Search for specific keywords from questions
Look for names, dates, and statistical information
Use your finger to guide rapid eye movement
Return to specific sections when answering questions
Predict Before You Pick
Before looking at multiple choice options, try to answer questions based on what you've read. This prevents confusion from similar-looking choices and improves accuracy.
Implementation:
Cover answer choices initially
Formulate your own answer
Compare with provided options
Choose the closest match
Mastering LNAT Section B: Essay Writing Under Time Pressure
Quick Topic Selection
You have 40 minutes for one essay from three choices. Spend 2-3 minutes choosing wisely:
Pick topics where you have strong background knowledge
Avoid topics that seem interesting but lack supporting evidence
Choose prompts allowing unique argumentative approaches
Rapid Planning Framework
Allocate 5-8 minutes for planning using this structure:
What: Understand the motion and its basis
Why: Identify purpose and supporting evidence
How: Consider practical implementation
What if: Address counterarguments and alternatives
Developing Long-Term Reading Excellence
Daily Practice Habits
LNAT-level reading proficiency requires consistent practice with challenging materials:
Quality newspapers: The Guardian, The Times for current affairs
The Economist: For political and economic commentary
Academic journals: Philosophy, politics, social sciences
Legal publications: Harvard Law Review for reasoning exposure
Progressive Development Timeline
Plan your preparation systematically:
Months 1-2: Master basic techniques
Pointer method and chunking
Reduce subvocalization
Build foundation skills
Months 3-4: Apply to LNAT materials
Practice with official passages
Implement time constraints
Develop pattern recognition
Months 5-6: Full test conditions
Complete practice tests
Refine time management
Build exam confidence
Final month: Polish performance
Maintain reading speed
Review weak areas
Practice relaxation techniques
Learning to speed read for the LNAT will not only help you pass and succeed on the test but also the skills you develop will carry through law school, and on future career. The characteristics of a successful lawyer are to think quickly, summarize and condense complex information, identify key issues and arguments, and make decisions under time pressure. Start practicing today, be patient with your progress, and remember that every minute of practice brings you closer to your goal of studying law at your dream university.
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