Reading related

The most important thing to figure out is the purpose of your reading: looking at instructions to build furniture and studying a textbook are not the same thing! Once you’ve figured out your purpose, you can choose to focus on what are known as intensive reading techniques that stress things like vocabulary and speed, or instead on extensive techniques that will help you engage with the meaning of a text in a deeper way. Is it information-based, like a newspaper, textbook, or manual? Or is it more creative/artistic, like a novel or short story? For instance, if you’re reading to follow instructions (like a recipe or assembly guide), you’ll need to understand the exact meaning of each step. If you’re reading a text that has lots of information, like a textbook, then you’ll be reading most of all for new information on things you don’t know or understand. For instance, reading a novel for a class can be different than reading a novel for pleasure, since you’ll be expected to understand and remember the text rather than just enjoy the experience of reading it. Scan your reading before you begin.Whatever the purpose of your reading is, taking a few minutes to look the piece over is very helpful. Does the work have any “extras,” like bolded key words, illustrations, or graphs? For intensive reading, it’s not always important to worry about what something means in a deep way. As you read, you'll focus more on details like spelling, pronunciation, and the rhythm of sentences.[This can improve your reading skills because it makes you be involved with the text in two ways: with your eyes, as you look at the words, and with your ears, as you listen to them. Read whatever interests you, if you’re just trying to improve your basic skill. It’s best for things like studying a textbook, reading a newspaper article for information, or reading a book for school.[If you want to read to understand something on a deeper level, like studying a textbook, it helps to read more actively. Keep a notebook out and make notes on important things you notice as you read.[If there are key terms or dates in whatever you’re reading, make a note of those as well. If you’re able to write in or mark up whatever it is you’re reading, this can also help increase your understanding. For instance, you can underline or highlight important passages. You could also try things like circling key terms and writing notes in the margins.[Going back over the material also helps you remember what you’ve read.[If you have trouble summarizing or remembering any part of what you’ve read, go back over it again. If you come across a word or concept that seems important but is not clearly defined in the text, look up its meaning in a dictionary or encyclopedia (either online or print). If you see certain words being used over and over again, that’s another sign that they’re important for what you’re reading and worth looking up. While your partner is reading, listen to your their pronunciation, speed, and rhythm. Keep records, like a list of books or articles you’ve gone through, and how many minutes you read each day.