What the 20-20-20 pace means

• Total time: 60 minutes
• Plan: 20 minutes for Passage 1, 20 for Passage 2, 20 for Passage 3
• Goal: finish each passage inside its window so you keep control, avoid time panic, and protect accuracy.

Why this works

• Keeps attention fresh in fixed blocks.
• Forces quick decisions so you do not over read.
• Leaves built in checks that catch easy mistakes.

The 60 minute blueprint

Use the same micro split for each passage. Adjust only if the text is very hard.

Per passage micro split (20 minutes):

1. Preview skim (2 min): Read title, first and last paragraph, and topic sentences. Write a 3 word gist.
2. Map and mark (1 min): Number paragraphs. Circle names, dates, places.
3. Answer in batches (12 min):
   • Do question types that follow the text order first.
   • Scan fast to the paragraph, then read slow for the answer line.
   • Underline the proof line or note paragraph number.
4. Tough ones pass (3 min): Skip a question if no clue in 40 seconds. Place a dot next to it and move on.
5. Quick check and fill (2 min): Return to dotted items. Make the best choice, then check spelling and number order.

Best order for most sets

1. True False Not Given or Yes No Not Given
2. Matching information or sentence endings
3. Multiple choice
4. Summary, flow chart, or table completion
5. Matching headings
   Reason: items that follow text order are faster and build confidence early.

Question type timing guide

• True False Not Given: 7 to 8 min for a set
• Multiple choice: 8 to 10 min for a set
• Matching headings: 7 to 9 min for a set
• Summary or table completion: 6 to 8 min for a set
• Short answer or sentence completion: 5 to 7 min for a set
  Use these inside the 12 minute answer window. If one set is long, reduce time on another.

Rescue plan for a hard passage

• Use 18 20 22 as a flexible split. Save extra minutes for Passage 3.
• If two items in a row block you, skip both and continue. Do not read the whole text again.
• If you reach the last 90 seconds of the passage with blanks, select the most likely choices using elimination. Never leave blanks.

Smart skipping and guessing rules

• Eliminate options with absolute words like always and never unless the passage states it.
• Prefer options that paraphrase the text rather than copy exact words.
• For headings, match the main idea of the whole paragraph not a detail line.
• For names and years, scan first, then confirm with close reading.

Annotation codes that save seconds

• G: paragraph gist
• N: name
• D: date or number
• Ex: example
• C: claim or opinion
  Mark light. Your goal is location memory, not art.

Transfer and review habits

• Paper based: grid the answer sheet every 5 questions to avoid last minute rush.
• Computer based: flag doubtful items and use the review screen to jump back quickly.
• Keep answers aligned with question numbers. A single shift loses many marks.

7 day speed build plan

• Day 1: Timed Passage 1 only. Use 20 minutes. Focus on preview and mapping.
• Day 2: Timed Passage 2. Add batch answering practice.
• Day 3: Timed Passage 3. Practice rescue plan.
• Day 4: Full 60 minute test. Track time at 40, 20, and 5 minutes left.
• Day 5: Error log. For each wrong item, write the proof line and reason.
• Day 6: Targeted drills by type you miss most. 2 mini sets per type.
• Day 7: Full test again. Compare time and accuracy with Day 4.

1 minute warm up before practice

• Write a 3 word gist after a 20 second skim of any article. Train fast summary.
• Do a 5 item T F NG micro set in 4 minutes. Train quick decisions.

Pacing card template

Copy this to your notes and use in every practice.

• P1 20 min: 2 skim, 1 map, 12 answer, 3 rescue, 2 check
• P2 20 min: 2 skim, 1 map, 12 answer, 3 rescue, 2 check
• P3 20 min: 2 skim, 1 map, 12 answer, 3 rescue, 2 check
• Skip if no clue in 40 sec
• Never leave blanks

Common mistakes and fixes

• Reading everything: Fix by preview skim and paragraph numbering first.
• Staying too long on one item: Fix by using the 40 second skip rule.
• Losing place: Fix by underlining proof lines and noting paragraph numbers.
• Rushing spelling: Fix by 2 minute final check per passage.

Practice tracker

Record after every session:

• Date, source, scores per passage
• Time used per passage
• 3 main causes of errors
• One rule to apply next time

Quick checklist for exam day

• Know your split and write it at the top of the question paper.
• Track time at 40, 20, and 5 minutes left.
• Use smart skipping, keep calm, and protect accuracy.

Use this guide as your routine. Repeat the same steps until your pace feels automatic.