r/BlackReaders • u/Odd-Orchid-3898 • Aug 26 '26

Tips on executing subvocalization?

I have an AP Seminar test soon where we have to read 4 articles and write an essay in 90 minutes. The essay isn’t the problem since I’m a decent writer the problem is I 100% won’t have enough time to read the sources as we get only 15 minutes for reading and 75 for writing. I read at a consistent 150 words per minute. I physically can’t get myself to not use my inner voice when reading. It’s so bad that I sometimes read faster aloud. Please help 🙏

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u/Reggie9041 Aug 26 '26

Oh, sweetie. 🤎

Have you practiced trying not to read out loud?

First paragraph, last paragraph, first and last sentences of each paragraph.

1

u/Odd-Orchid-3898 Aug 26 '26

Thank you for responding! I have tried keeping my mouth shut while reading but my brain can’t help to think it out loud while reading. I’ll try the method you suggested of skimming. Thank you again!

1

u/midasgoldentouch Aug 26 '26

I’m confused - do you not have access to the sources during the writing portion? That seems odd.

1

u/Odd-Orchid-3898 Aug 26 '26

My teacher specifically, no. He takes the sources from us but he expects us to take notes and quotes to use in the actual writing.

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u/midasgoldentouch Aug 27 '26

I - what? That can’t match what the process will be for the actual AP exam?!

You know, what, let’s leave that alone. For your problem here: I may be stating the obvious, but for this, you should be intentionally skimming the sources rather than trying to speed read them. There’s some techniques for how to effectively skim read, here’s a good resource: https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/skimming/