Dear Mike,
I'm sorry to hear that you have trouble in your reading tests. And I have some good ideas about reading to share with you.
Firstly, find a quiet place to read. A comfortable chair and warm temperature in it are enough. As for your smartphone, computer and TV, please keep away from them. Or you will fail to focus on (集中于) your book.
Secondly, review (复习) your teacher's questions. Before reading, you must know why you read the book, so please read the questions carefully. If you meet new words, you can use a dictionary. But try to guess their meaning instead of using it during reading.
Thirdly, read the introduction of the book before reading. Normally, the introduction covers the main idea of a book. If you catch it before reading, you will understand the book better.
Fourthly, read and take a break to think. If you start to think after finishing the whole book, you may miss some important information. The best way is to finish part of the book, and stop to think about it.
Finally, take notes as you read. Each time you stop to think, also make a note of what you have read. And you can review it carefully when you prepare for tests.
If you follow my suggestions, I'm sure next time you will get a better reading grade.
Yours,
Min
