Common Reading exam preparation mistakes in 2026

· By Maksim · 2 min read

Hi, I'm Maksim 👋 Reading can look like one of the easiest inburgering exams. But that is exactly why it is easy to underestimate it.

I'm writing this article because I made a few mistakes in my preparation, and they made the real exam feel more stressful than it had to be 😅

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My biggest Reading preparation mistake 📖

My biggest mistake was that I did not solve enough tests.

I also did not specifically practice texts with unfamiliar vocabulary. Because of that, when I saw harder texts in the exam, I panicked a bit.

The problem was not only the language. The problem was the feeling that the text was unfamiliar and I did not have enough exam practice to stay calm.

What wasted my time ⏳

I solved tests one after another, but I spent too much time on difficult texts.

Looking back, I think it would be better to solve the easier texts first, collect points there, and then come back to the harder ones.

In the exam, time matters. If you get stuck on one difficult text, you can lose points on tasks that were actually easier.

What I would avoid next time ✅

I would avoid overestimating my level.

It is better to measure your readiness with practice tests and be extra careful. Otherwise, even if your Dutch is okay, panic can make you lose points.

Keep preparing

Frequently asked questions

What is the most common Reading exam preparation mistake?

Assuming language skill alone is enough. Not solving enough practice tests and skipping texts with unfamiliar vocabulary leaves you unprepared for the real exam's harder texts.

How should I manage my time during the Reading exam?

Solve the easier texts first to lock in points, then come back to the harder ones — getting stuck on one difficult text can cost you points on easier tasks later.

How can I avoid losing points on Reading?

Don't overestimate your level. Measure your real readiness with practice tests rather than assuming your Dutch is good enough, since panic during the exam is what actually costs points.

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