READING TECHNIQUES (HOW TO SPEED READING)
Speed reading is the act of quickly absorbing written
information. The goal is to read quickly but still retain comprehension of the
material. The rate at which people read material is not a constant and varies
greatly depending on several factors. Some material, such as school work or
manuals, may require more contemplation and fewer distractions in order to
process and still understand what is being conveyed. Being able to read ten
books in a single day is useless if the reader is unable to retain comprehension
of the material.
There are a few different methods that some speed readers
use in order to increase their reading speed. It is important to note that most
speed readers use a variety of methods. Some simply skim the words and the
information is simple there. You can think of it in terms of a computer
scanner. You lay the book or sheet of paper on the scanner. The image is then
sent via a connection to your computer where you process the information.
Some of the different methods used in speed reading are
chunking, skimming, and eliminating sub-vocalization. Readers will not “read”
the words aloud in their minds. Their eyes skim through the material and
comprehension is formed within the brain processes. Most speed readers use a
variety of methods to increase their speed and comprehension level.
A speed reader may not read every word on the page. They may
skip some sections as it as little overall consequence to the meaning. Most
people can read a selection much faster if they read silently. Reading each
word aloud takes time for the information to make a complete circuit in your
brain before being pronounced. Some researchers believe that as long as the
first and last letter is in place, the arrangement of the other letters in the
word can still be understood by the brain because it logically puts each piece
into place.
Speed reading is measured by timing the reader as he or she
reads through a selection of material. After the time is up the reader will be
tested on his or her overall comprehension of the material. If they make less
than 50% of the questions then that test is considered a failure. Speed reading
is difficult to test because a large part of the comprehension depends on the
reader’s interest. A text book may be difficult to quickly read as there is
strange terminology or a lack of interest on the participants’ behalf.
Not everyone can speed read. There are no tried and true
methods that work for everyone. The best way to learn how to speed read is to
practice and study the different methods that speed readers employ. You may be
able to learn how to skim through the material for key words and phrases. You
can also try to learn how to read the material without silently pronouncing
each word in your mind.
The best tip anyone can have is to practice. There is some
reading material that is almost impossible to speed read. Text books and dry
facts may not get your attention and as such your mind will wander. In order to
appreciate speed reading a person must be engaged in the material and want to know
more. If you find yourself constantly having to re-read the same paragraph, you
may want to switch to reading material that grabs your attention.
I’ve tried learning how to speed read and I just cannot seem
to do it or remember the material. Are some people just gifted with this
talent?
There may be several factors working against your desire to
learn how to speed read. The first may be that you do not have enough practice
or there are too many distractions for you to concentrate. If you do not love to
read, no amount of software can make the task easier for you. Some people have
a natural affinity for reading and will do better with it than others. It
should never be about how fast you can read. It should be about how much
information you retain and whether or not you enjoy reading.
Top 10 Speed Reading Comprehension Tips
10.
Clarify your purpose. A good understanding of
what you already know and what you need out of the reading is the key to
reading comprehension.
2. Look at the front book cover. What information is the
author giving you about the story? What does the title suggest? Why did she use
this particular graphic on the cover?
3. Read familiar material. When you first learn to Speed
Read, use books and articles on subjects you have some familiarity with or
subjects you have come across before but aven’t reviewed recently. Later on,
you can challenge yourself with new material.
4. Make Predications. Can you make any predictions about the
story with the information youve already gathered?
5. What have the experts said about the book or author? Look
at the back cover. What are the comments being made by critics whove read the
book? What other clues can you pick up?
6. Read the Table of Contents. Its an outline of the book.
7. Make sure you review the glossary. If there are any terms
that are unfamiliar to you memorize them.
8. Read the Introduction or Preface. It gives you a good
idea of where the author wants to take you.
9. Preview the book to make sure its what you are looking
for. Scan the headings and subheadings.
10. Read the topic sentences. Remember that the first and
last sentences of a paragraph give you the essence of that paragraph,
especially when reading non-fiction.
NIA NURUL SYAHARA
PBI 1C
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