If I were to point out one single skill that strongly correlates with your final Verbal Score, it would be ‘Reading’. Ability to read fast not only helps for the RC section of the Test, but is also invaluable in the whole of the Verbal section. Moreover, a fast reader can shave off seconds on each Math problem by reading and digesting the information quickly. Most of the commonly available prep material addresses the symptoms rather than the problem of slow reading, resulting only in incremental improvements in your Reading Comprehension performance. You simply cannot improve your RC performance without addressing the underlying causes of slow reading and getting rid of ‘bad’ reading habits. I have come across scores of smart students, who did well in All sections of the test, except the RC. And this is primarily because reading skills take time to develop, and you need to thoroughly understand your reading habits and focus on improvement areas. Over the years, I have closely observed which techniques/methods result in maximum improvement in reading skills in the minimum time. These concepts are now included in the ‘Essential Guide to HSPT/ TACHS/ COOP Reading Comprehension’. This book focuses not only on the reading techniques, but also on how to apply these techniques to solving the various types of Reading passages and questions. This guide has been especially written from real life experience teaching the nuances of Reading Comprehension to hundreds of students..