Reading is a fundamental skill that underpins all learning. It’s a skill that most of us take for granted, yet many struggle with comprehending what they read. However, with the right strategies, anyone can improve their reading skills.
Here are 9 comprehension strategies that can help boost your reading skills:
1. Preview the Text
Before you start reading, take a few moments to preview the text. This means scanning the headings, subheadings, and any other bolded or italicized text for clues as to what the text is about. This can give you a better idea of the author’s main points and help you better understand the content.
2. Identify Purpose
Understanding the purpose of the text can help you comprehend what you are reading. Ask yourself questions such as, “What is the author trying to achieve?”, “What is the author’s main point?”, “What is the tone of the text?”
3. Summarize
It’s essential to summarize what you’ve read to ensure that you have a good understanding of the material. Take a moment at the end of each section to write a summary of what you’ve just read.
4. Take Notes
Taking notes as you read can help you remember the material and retain important information. Be sure to jot down key points and any questions you may have.
5. Visualize
Visualizing the content can help you better understand the material. Try to create mental images of what you’re reading, as it can help you remember and recall information later on.
6. Pay Attention to Context Clues
Context clues, such as the surrounding words or phrases, can help you decipher the meaning of unfamiliar words or concepts.
7. Question
Questioning as you read can help you stay engaged with the material and better understand the author’s intent. This involves asking yourself questions such as, “What does this mean?”, “How does this connect to earlier content?” or “Why did the author use this word?”
8. Relate to Prior Knowledge
Relating what you’re reading to prior knowledge can help you understand and retain the material better. It’s always a good idea to connect the new content to related information you already know.
9. Re-read
Re-reading can help you better understand complex material, especially if you’ve struggled to comprehend it on the first read-through. If you still find the text confusing, consider breaking it down into smaller sections and re-reading those parts several times.
In conclusion, improving your reading skills takes effort, but by implementing these 9 comprehension strategies, you can boost your reading skills and become a more effective reader. Remember to preview, identify purpose, summarize, take notes, visualize, pay attention to context clues, question, relate to prior knowledge, and re-read when necessary. With practice, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a skilled and confident reader.
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