Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 4: How to Prepare
• Method 2 of 4: How to Read Intensively
• Method 3 of 4: How to Read Extensively
• Method 4 of 4: How to stay focused

Many people have difficulty reading. You need to practice regularly to read well! The most important thing is to determine the purpose of the reading: the approach to reading the furniture assembly instructions and working with the textbook should be different! Define a goal and focus on intensive reading techniques to emphasize vocabulary and speed, or choose extensive techniques that allow for a deeper understanding of the text.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: How to Prepare

1. 1 Determine the type of text. Think about it: what type of text am I dealing with? Informational text (newspaper, textbook or manual)? Creative or artistic type (novel or story)? It is very important!
   • For example, if you are reading text to follow directions (recipe or assembly instructions), then you need to understand the exact meaning of each step.
   • If you are reading a text with a lot of information, like a textbook, then your main goal is to get new information that you do not yet know or understand.
2. 2 Determine the purpose of your reading. The purpose of reading affects the nature of the work with the text. For example, reading a novel for a lesson and for pleasure are completely different activities, since in the first case you will need to understand and remember the text, and not enjoy the process. Think: why am I reading this text?
   • If you need information (for example, to meet work or training requirements), then extensive methods are better.
   • If you want to practice pronunciation, vocabulary, or grammar, use intensive methods.
3. 3 Review the text before reading. Whatever your purpose, take a moment to glance at the text.Pay attention to the look and structure. These aspects help you better understand the material you are reading.
   • Does the text have a title?
   • Does the book have content?
   • Is the material divided into sections?
   • Does the text have “additional aspects” like keywords in bold, illustrations or graphs?

Method 2 of 4: How to Read Intensively

1. 1 Read intensively to practice the basics and expand your vocabulary. This way of reading is more focused on specific nuances of the text. If you need to practice pronunciation, grammar, or new words, try to read more slowly and pay special attention to individual words and sentences.
2. 2 Pay attention only to the general meaning of the text. When reading intensively, it is not so important to think about the deep meanings. It is enough to form a general understanding of the text. While reading, you should focus on aspects such as spelling, pronunciation, or the rhythm of sentences.
   • Don't get hung up on points you can't understand. If you are able to summarize the main idea, then this is enough.
3. 3 Read aloud. This approach improves reading skills by working with two-way text: visual (you look at the words) and auditory (you hear the words). Read the text aloud to practice pronunciation.
4. 4 Strive to guess the meanings of new words. When you come across an unfamiliar word, do not rush to immediately reach for the dictionary. Try to guess the meaning based on the words you already know (context).
   • For example, you are reading the following sentence and want to know the meaning of the word "pessimist": Mom always enjoys life and looks to the future with optimism, which cannot be said about my pessimistic brother, who is the complete opposite.
   • From this sentence, you can understand that "pessimism" is the opposite of joy: despondency and irritability.
5. 5 Write down the new words you need to learn. If you come across new words whose meaning is not clear, then write them down and find them in the dictionary. This will help you remember the meaning of new words.
6. 6 Read as often as possible. The more you read, the easier it is to read. Read for at least 15-30 minutes every day to feel the difference.
   • Read texts on any topic that interests you to improve your basic skills.
   • Reread the texts you have already read to build confidence.
   SPECIALIST'S ADVICE

   

   Soren Rosier, PhD

   
   
   Graduate Student in Education, Stanford University Soren Rosier is a graduate student at Stanford Graduate School of Education, preparing for a PhD. Explores how children teach each other and how to prepare them for effective peer education. Prior to graduate school, he was a high school teacher in Oakland, California, and a researcher at SRI International. Received his BA from Haward University in 2010.

   Soren Rosier, PhD
   Graduate Student in Education, Stanford University

   Be careful when choosing which books to read. Soren Rosier, a PhD student at Stanford Graduate School of Education, says: “The best thing you can do to improve your reading skills is to read a lot and read on your own. Look for books that interest you and match your reading level. If you read texts that are difficult to understand, then such reading will obviously not bring pleasure. "

   
   

Method 3 of 4: How to Read Extensively

1. 1 Read extensively to gain a deeper understanding of the text. This way of reading allows you to understand the meaning and see the whole thing. It is best suited for textbook work, newspaper articles, and home reading for study.
2. 2 Take notes as you read. If you want to understand the deeper meaning (as in the situation with textbooks), then strive to read actively. Take a notebook and write down important points as you read.
   • For example, write out important ideas in a bulleted list.
   • Also write down key terms or dates that appear in the text.
   • If something is not clear, write down the questions and come back to them later.
3. 3 Take notes. If you can write or highlight text, then such actions will help you understand the material better. For example, underline or highlight important passages. You can also circle key terms and take notes in the margins.
4. 4 Summarize the text you read. Pause from time to time to write a sentence or two and summarize the passage. Put key ideas in your own words and write them down to keep track of your understanding of the text. Review these short summaries regularly to help you remember what you read.
   • If you find it difficult to summarize or remember a certain part of the text, then reread the passage.
   • You can also make a retelling in the form of points of the plan, rather than full-length sentences.
5. 5 Define keywords and concepts. If you come across a word or concept that seems important to understanding the meaning of the text, then make a note. In the textbook, they even appear in bold or placed in a separate section. Write these words down in a notebook so you can learn the concepts later, or even make a set of flashcards.
   • If a word seems important, but it is not highlighted in the text, then find out the meaning of the word in a dictionary or encyclopedia (book or online resources).
   • If some words occur repeatedly in the text, then you should pay attention to them.

Method 4 of 4: How to stay focused

1. 1 Read with a friend. Reading is more fun and easier if you don't have to do it alone. For example, you might read the same passage with a friend and then discuss key ideas in a conversation about the text.
   • Read with a more experienced and skillful partner to learn how to read aloud better. While your partner reads, listen to their pronunciation, tempo, and rhythm. Then read the text yourself and listen to the criticism.
2. 2 Choose the right reading spot. Move away from TV, music, phone, computer, and conversations to concentrate fully on reading. Distractions make it very difficult to concentrate, reading protracts and irritation arises.
   • Try reading in a quiet room with good lighting, a desk, and a comfortable chair.
3. 3 Use a pointer if you find it difficult to concentrate. Take a bookmark, ruler or sheet of paper and position it on the page of the book so that you see only one line of text and slide down after the sentences you read. This will make it easier for you to deal with the text.
4. 4 Read interesting texts whenever possible. Obviously, we are more willing to read texts that are of interest to us. If you have the opportunity to independently choose a book or article, then always choose topics that interest you.
5. 5 Track your progress. Keep a list of the texts you read and indicate how many minutes a day you devote to reading. Having a list of your accomplishments on hand can help you motivate yourself more easily.