READING COMPREHENSION

TO IMPROVE READING COMPREHENSION, TRY THE FOLLOWING:

1. PREVIEW:

* Spend 5-10 minutes scanning the chapter-- headings, diagrams, charts, terms in bold type, questions at the end, summary, etc.

* Think about what you already know concerning the topics covered in the chapter.

2. READ:

*  Think of the paragraph or the section (3 or 5 paragraphs under a heading) as your unit of meaning. Do not stop when you are confused about a word or sentence, often the next sentence will clarify the meaning.

* If you are still confused at the end of a section or paragraph, stop at that point to reread or to look up unfamiliar words.

TEXTBOOKS WITH MANY HEADINGS:

* Turn the heading into a question and read that section to find the answer.

*  Stop at the end of the section to make a note in the margin or to highlight key words of the answer. Try to highlight less than 20% of the text.

*  Number parts or items (e.g., 3 parts of a definition, 5 causes of something, 3 requirements, etc).

*  Look at how other students mark their texts for ideas and models.

BOOKS WITH FEW OR NO HEADINGS:

* Stop at the end of each paragraph, and ask yourself the main point. Then highlight it.

*  Do not highlight a section if the professor said the book (often a paperback) was assigned simply to present a broader scope rather than details. For example, 3 paperbacks in a history class may have been assigned so that you can learn how historians work and think, not with the intention that you memorize dates.

* If you decide not to highlight or make marginal notes, stop at the end of each chapter and write a few notes into your notebook.
 

3. REVIEW & RECITE:

* At the end or a chapter or reading session, spend 5-10 minutes scanning back over the headings and your own highlighting.

* Begin to self-test if time allows. Turn a heading into a question and try to answer it. Then look to see if you are right.

* Look at the reading in connection with your lecture notes.

*  Review and self-test frequently.

* Consider forming a study group to discuss the material and quiz each other.

OTHER SUGGESTIONS:

1. Vary your reading speed depending upon the text, but try to gradually increase your speed.

2. For a science or technical book, think of the charts and diagrams as the heart of the text with sentences simply explaining what is presented visually.