10 Examples of Comprehension Strategies to Improve Reading Skills

10 Examples of Comprehension Strategies to Improve Reading Skills

If you want to become a better reader, you need to improve your comprehension skills. Comprehension strategies help you understand and remember what you read. By using these strategies, you can become an active reader, engaging with the text and gaining a deeper understanding of its meaning. Here are ten examples of comprehension strategies that can help you improve your reading skills.

1. Make Connections

Connect what you’re reading to your own experiences, background knowledge, and feelings. This can help you understand the text better and remember it for longer. For example, if you’re reading a book about a child growing up, think about how your own childhood was similar or different.

2. Visualize

Create mental images of what you’re reading. This can help you remember details and understand the author’s meaning. For example, if you’re reading a description of a beach, visualize the sand, sea, and sky in your mind.

3. Ask Questions

Asking questions can help you focus on the key ideas in the text and understand it more deeply. Try to ask questions about the main characters, plot points, and main ideas. If you’re unsure about a detail, stop and ask yourself a question to clarify it.

4. Predict

Try to predict what might happen next in the story. This can help you engage with the text and stay interested in the story. It can also help you anticipate how the story might end.

5. Summarize

After reading a section of text, try to summarize it in your own words. This can help you remember important facts and ideas.

6. Monitor Comprehension

Pay attention to your own understanding of the text. If you’re not sure what’s happening, or you’re confused, stop and reread the section. This can help you stay on track and understand the text more deeply.

7. Infer

Try to make inferences based on what you’re reading. Inferences are assumptions or conclusions you draw based on the evidence in the text. For example, if a character has a sad expression, you might infer that they are feeling sad.

8. Evaluate

Evaluate the text as you read it. Think about whether the author is presenting a balanced or biased view. Is the evidence they’re presenting strong or weak? This can help you engage critically with the text and form your own opinion.

9. Use Text Features

Pay attention to the text features, such as headings, titles, and subheadings. These can help you understand the structure of the text and focus on the main ideas.

10. Reflect

Take time to reflect on what you’ve read. This can help you consolidate your understanding and remember the text more effectively. Think about how the text relates to your own life and experiences.

Improving your reading skills can take time and practice, but by using these comprehension strategies, you can become a more effective and engaged reader. Start by trying out one or two of these strategies and see how they work for you. With time and effort, you’ll soon be reading more effectively and enjoying it more too.