What practice can help alleviate anxiety before a reading comprehension section?

Familiarizing oneself with different text types is an effective strategy for alleviating anxiety before a reading comprehension section. By understanding the structure, tone, and style of various texts, a test-taker can approach the reading more confidently. This familiarity reduces uncertainty and allows the individual to engage with the material in a more relaxed manner, which can lead to better comprehension and retention of information.

When a test-taker knows what to expect in terms of text type—whether it is narrative, descriptive, expository, or argumentative—they can streamline their reading process. This preparation allows them to identify key ideas and arguments more easily, thus minimizing the stress associated with the unknown, which is often a significant contributor to anxiety in testing situations.

In contrast, avoiding practice texts, revisiting previous answers, or neglecting time management strategies do not equip a student with the skills or confidence needed to tackle the reading comprehension section effectively. Instead, engaging with various text types prepares them mentally and strategically, making it a beneficial practice in overcoming pre-test nerves.