Praxis Reading Test: 7 Strategies to Boost Your Score Fast

The Praxis Reading Test trips up more aspiring teachers than you might expect. It's not that future educators can't read - obviously they can. The problem is that standardized reading comprehension operates by its own weird rules, and most people never learn them.

Here's what I've noticed after years of helping students prepare: the reading section isn't really testing whether you understood the passage. It's testing whether you can identify what the test makers think you should understand. Subtle difference, but it matters. A lot.

In this guide, I'm going to walk you through seven Praxis reading strategies that actually work. Not the generic "read carefully" advice you've probably heard a hundred times, but concrete techniques you can start using today. Whether you're taking the Praxis Core Reading test (5713) or a content-specific reading assessment, these strategies apply.

What Is the Praxis Reading Test?

Let's get the basics out of the way first. The Praxis reading test comes in several flavors depending on what you're going for. The most common one is the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators: Reading (5713), which most states require for teacher certification.

The test runs 85 minutes and throws 56 multiple-choice questions at you. You'll encounter passages of varying lengths - some just a paragraph, others spanning multiple pages. The content ranges from humanities to social sciences to natural sciences. Basically, they're checking if you can handle the kind of reading you'll need to do as an educator.

Here's something many test-takers don't realize: the Praxis reading passing score varies by state. In some states you need a 156, in others it's 162 or higher. Before you panic about your practice test scores, make sure you know your specific target. ETS publishes passing scores by state on their website.

Why Do So Many Test-Takers Struggle with Reading?

I've worked with hundreds of students on the Praxis Core reading test, and the same patterns keep showing up. People don't fail because they can't read. They fail because of these specific traps:

Trap #1: Reading like it's a novel. Most people read for enjoyment or general understanding. That's not what standardized tests want. They want you to hunt for specific information efficiently. Reading every word carefully actually hurts your score because you run out of time.

Trap #2: Trusting your gut. Your instincts about what an author means are often wrong in testing contexts. The test makers design wrong answers to feel right. They're specifically crafted to catch people who go with their first impression instead of finding textual evidence.

Trap #3: Overthinking simple questions. Sometimes the answer really is just sitting there in the passage. Test-takers who've been burned by tricky questions start seeing tricks everywhere, even in straightforward recall questions.

Trap #4: Poor time management. Getting stuck on hard passages and running out of time for easy ones is maybe the most common way people tank their scores. Every question is worth the same, so spending ten minutes on a killer passage while rushing through three easier ones is a terrible trade.

Strategy #1: Master the Three Question Types

Here's one of the most important Praxis reading tips I can give you: not all questions are created equal. The test basically asks three types of questions, and each type requires a different approach.

Literal Comprehension Questions

These ask what the passage explicitly states. Words like "according to the passage," "the author states," or "the passage indicates" signal literal questions. The answer is sitting right there in the text - your job is finding it. Don't overcomplicate these. If the passage says "The experiment was conducted in 1987," and the question asks when the experiment happened, the answer is 1987. Period.

Inference Questions

These ask what you can logically conclude from the passage. Keywords include "implies," "suggests," "can be inferred," and "most likely." The answer isn't stated directly, but it's strongly supported by textual evidence. This is where most people mess up. They infer too much, reading things into the passage that aren't there. Stick close to the text. Valid inferences feel almost obvious once you find the supporting evidence.

Critical Analysis Questions

These ask about the author's purpose, tone, argument structure, or rhetorical techniques. You might see phrases like "the author's main purpose," "the tone of the passage," or "which best describes the organization." These questions test your ability to step back and analyze how the passage works, not just what it says.

When you identify the question type before trying to answer, you know exactly what kind of evidence to look for. It sounds simple, but most test-takers never think to do this.

Strategy #2: Read Strategically (Not Every Word)

This is where efficient Praxis reading test tips get counterintuitive. You don't actually need to read every word of every passage. In fact, trying to do so will almost certainly hurt your score.

Here's the approach that works: skim the passage first to get the gist - maybe 60-90 seconds. Note the main idea, the overall structure, and where different topics appear. Then read the questions. Only after you know what you're looking for should you go back and read relevant sections carefully.

The Preview-Question-Read Method

Start by reading the first and last paragraphs more carefully - that's where authors typically state their main points. Glance at the first sentence of each body paragraph to understand the structure. Then look at the questions.

Now you know exactly what you need to find. Question about the third paragraph? Go read that paragraph closely. Question about the author's purpose? You already noted the main idea during your skim. Question asking for a specific detail? Hunt for it using keywords.

This method feels weird at first. You might think you're missing things. But here's the reality: you don't get points for understanding parts of the passage that questions don't ask about. Strategic reading maximizes your points-per-minute ratio.

Strategy #3: Use Process of Elimination Ruthlessly

One of the most reliable Praxis reading strategies is working backwards. Instead of hunting for the right answer, eliminate wrong ones. Here's why this works: on most questions, you can eliminate two or three answers pretty easily if you know what to look for.

Common Wrong Answer Patterns

Too extreme: Watch for words like "always," "never," "all," "none," "completely." Passages rarely make such absolute claims. If an answer choice uses extreme language and the passage doesn't, it's probably wrong.

Outside the scope: The answer might be true in real life, but if it's not supported by this specific passage, it's wrong. You're not being tested on your general knowledge - you're being tested on whether you can identify what this passage says.

Partially true: These are the sneaky ones. Half the answer is supported by the passage, but the other half isn't. Read the entire answer choice. If any part is wrong, the whole thing is wrong.

Reversed relationships: The passage says A causes B, but the answer choice claims B causes A. Or the passage says X supports the argument, but the answer claims X contradicts it. These reversals are easy to miss when you're rushing.

Strategy #4: Manage Your Time Like a Pro

With 56 questions in 85 minutes, you've got about 90 seconds per question on average. But here's the thing - you shouldn't spend equal time on every question. Some passages are faster than others, some questions are harder. Good time management means being flexible and strategic.

The Two-Pass Approach

On your first pass through the test, answer everything you can answer quickly and confidently. If a question is taking more than two minutes, flag it and move on. Don't let one tough question eat up time you need for three easy ones.

Your second pass tackles the flagged questions. You'll be surprised how often answers become clearer after you've moved through more of the test. Sometimes a later passage gives you insight into an earlier one. Plus, there's no penalty for guessing, so make sure you answer every single question even if you're not sure.

Know Your Pace Checkpoints

At the 25-minute mark, you should have roughly 15-18 questions done. At the 50-minute mark, aim for 30-35. If you're significantly behind, speed up your pace on easier questions. If you're ahead, great - you have extra time for the tough ones you flagged.

Strategy #5: Practice with the Right Materials

Not all Praxis reading practice tests are created equal. Some third-party materials don't match the actual test's style, difficulty, or question types. Practicing with the wrong materials can actually hurt you by building incorrect habits.

Start with Official ETS Materials

The ETS Praxis Store offers official practice tests and study companions. These are your best resources because they're written by the same people who write the actual test. The passages feel right, the questions are calibrated correctly, and the difficulty matches what you'll face on test day.

The free Praxis Core Study Companion for Reading is actually pretty solid. It includes test-taking strategies, sample questions, and explanations. It's not comprehensive, but it's a good starting point.

Supplement with Quality Third-Party Resources

After you've exhausted official materials, quality third-party prep can help. Look for resources that explain why answers are right or wrong, not just what the correct answer is. Understanding the reasoning behind correct answers teaches you how to think about future questions.

Our Praxis tutoring service includes AI-powered diagnostics that identify exactly which question types are costing you points. Instead of practicing everything equally, you focus on the specific patterns where practice will actually improve your score.

Strategy #6: Get Expert Help When You Need It

Here's something I tell all my students: there's nothing wrong with getting help. Self-study works for some people, but others benefit enormously from having someone who can identify their specific weak spots and correct their approach in real-time.

The challenge with the Praxis reading test is that your mistakes often aren't obvious to you. You might consistently fall for a certain type of wrong answer, but if you're not aware of the pattern, you'll keep making the same mistake. An experienced tutor spots these patterns immediately.

For students who prefer to handle test prep themselves but want expert help when stuck, we also offer flexible Praxis support options that fit different needs and budgets.

Strategy #7: Develop Test-Day Mental Strategies

Technical skills matter, but so does your mental game. I've seen students who knew the material backward and forward but still underperformed because anxiety hijacked their test-taking brain.

Don't Let Hard Passages Derail You

You will encounter at least one passage that makes you think "what is this even about?" That's normal. It's designed into the test. When you hit a tough passage, don't panic. Use your strategies - skim for structure, focus on what you can understand, eliminate wrong answers. You can often get 3 out of 4 questions right even when the passage feels confusing.

Build Stamina Before Test Day

85 minutes of intense reading comprehension is mentally exhausting. If you've only practiced in 20-minute chunks, the real test will feel brutal. Do at least two or three full-length practice tests under real conditions - timed, no breaks, no distractions. Build the mental endurance you'll need.

Know When to Guess and Move On

There's no penalty for wrong answers. If you're stuck after two minutes, make your best guess, flag the question, and move forward. Coming back with fresh eyes often helps, and even if it doesn't, you've protected your time for questions you can actually answer.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Praxis Reading Test

Is the Praxis reading test hard?

The Praxis reading test is challenging but definitely passable with the right preparation. It's not testing advanced skills - it's testing whether you can read college-level material and identify main ideas, make inferences, and analyze argument structure. Most people who struggle haven't learned test-specific strategies, not because they lack reading ability.

How long is the Praxis reading test?

The Praxis Core Reading test (5713) is 85 minutes with 56 questions. That's roughly 90 seconds per question on average, though in practice you'll spend more time on passage-based questions and less on simpler ones. Content-specific reading tests may have different lengths - check ETS for your specific test.

What is the passing score for the Praxis reading test?

The Praxis reading passing score varies by state, typically ranging from 156 to 162 for the Praxis Core Reading. Check your specific state requirements on the ETS website, because assuming you need the wrong score can lead to unnecessary stress or, worse, inadequate preparation.

Can you take the Praxis reading test online?

Yes, ETS offers at-home testing for the Praxis Core tests including reading. You'll need a quiet room, a computer that meets their requirements, and a reliable internet connection. The test is proctored through your webcam. It's exactly the same test - just taken from home instead of a testing center.

How is the Praxis Core reading different from other Praxis tests?

The Praxis Core reading test is one of three Core tests (along with Writing and Math) that measure general academic skills. Other Praxis tests are content-specific - testing your knowledge in subjects like biology, math, or elementary education. Some content-specific tests include reading comprehension sections related to their subject area.

What types of passages appear on the Praxis reading test?

You'll see passages from various disciplines: humanities (art, literature, philosophy), social sciences (history, psychology, economics), and natural sciences (biology, physics, environmental science). Passage lengths vary from short paragraphs to multi-page readings. The variety is intentional - they want to see if you can comprehend material outside your comfort zone.

How many times can you take the Praxis reading test?

You can retake the Praxis once per 21-day window. There's no limit on total attempts. However, each attempt costs money and time, so it's worth investing in proper preparation to pass on your first try if possible. Our guaranteed pass tutoring is designed to help you pass the first time.

Your Path to Praxis Reading Success

The Praxis reading test doesn't have to be a roadblock to your teaching career. With the right Praxis reading strategies - understanding question types, reading strategically, eliminating wrong answers, managing time, practicing with quality materials, getting help when needed, and maintaining a strong mental game - you can absolutely pass this test.

Here's what I want you to take away: the test is beatable. People pass it every day. The ones who pass aren't necessarily better readers - they're better test-takers. They've learned how the test works and developed specific strategies to handle it.

If you've struggled with the reading section before, or if you're worried about it, that's okay. Recognizing where you need help is the first step. Whether you choose self-study with official materials, our 1-hour guaranteed tutoring, or some combination, commit to a preparation plan that addresses your specific needs.

Your future students are waiting. Go pass this test and start the teaching career you're meant to have.

Related Praxis and Exam Prep Resources

Looking for more help with Praxis exams or other professional certifications? Check out these resources:

• How to Pass the Praxis Fast - 3 proven ways to pass any Praxis exam quickly
• Praxis Core Math Study Guide - strategies for the math section
• Best Praxis Study Materials - what actually works for preparation
• Fast Praxis Pass Tutoring - guaranteed results or your money back
• Praxis Exam Support - flexible help options for your needs

All our Praxis prep services come with expert guidance and proven methodologies. Whether you need help with reading, math, writing, or content-specific tests, we've got you covered.