What subvocalization is doing
When you “hear” words in your head, your reading rate often tracks speech rate. CAT passages are not speech. They are written argument with nested clauses—meant to be scanned in hops, not narrated like a podcast.
You will not eliminate it completely
Adults retain some subvocalization even at high speeds. The goal is to lower its share so more bandwidth goes to structure.
Chunking first
Read in clause bundles. Pause mentally only at punctuation that changes logic—not at every word.
Drill: take one paragraph, slash it into chunks, summarise each chunk in three words.
RSVP as a warm-up, not a lifestyle
Ten minutes of RSVP on exam-like prose can train the eye to move without full inner speech. Follow with a normal forward read of a related passage to transfer the hop pattern.
Comprehension gates prevent fake speed
Every speed experiment needs two inference checks. If inner voice quieted but comprehension collapsed, you are skimming—not subvocalizing less.
Regression watch
Sometimes subvocalization is a comprehension strategy for hard text. When difficulty rises, the inner voice returns. That is a signal to slow to your gate, not to punish yourself.
CAT-specific note
VARC traps exploit readers who grasp mood but miss mechanism. Subvocalization that helps you track negation is not your enemy. Blind speed is.
Weekly micro-plan
- Mon/Wed/Fri: RSVP warm-up + timed RC block
- Tue/Thu: chunking drills on dense editorials
- Weekend: mock forensics (regressions column)
Quiet the voice where it wastes time. Keep the voice where it protects logic. CAT rewards that discrimination.