Types
of reading
 Types
of reading
Don't use the same way of
reading all the time.
This is one way to improve
your study skills.
What follow are notes on different
ways of reading.
Rapid survey
Check what you are
reading with a rapid glance.
Is it what you need? up to
date? right for the job?
Are all the contents
useful - or only some?
Are they written at the right
level for you?
Answer these questions quickly.
This is also known as previewing.
Sampling
Look at the contents in a
bit more detail.
Read the chapter headings,
or the introduction.
Skim read a page or two in
various chapters.
Keep asking yourself "Is
this book for me?"
If the answer is "No" -
move on to something else.
Skim reading
Make a quick survey of the
subject.
Glance through the book quickly
and pick up the main points.
Try to get a general idea
of what it is about.
This is a useful skill which
comes easier with practice.
Search reading
Look for a single piece of
information.
[For instance, somebody's
telephone number.]
Go straight to the contents,
the index, or locate the page.
Look up the information (and
write it down).
Put the book back - and move
on.
Selective reading
Only one part is important
for what your need.
Read that section, and leave
the rest alone.
Don't start browsing over
more than you need.
This requires discipline,
but it's a useful skill.
Detailed study reading
This is reading to understand
the subject.
It's useful for any serious
form of study.
You should concentrate whilst
reading.
You need to understand what
the writer means.
You might also take
notes whilst reading.
You might need to read a book
more than once.
The most thorough method is
known as SQ3R.
Rapid reading
This is reading to 'find out
what happens next'.
For instance, when reading
a comic or a story.
This is reading for pleasure
or entertainment.
You don't need to pay attention
to every word.
Speed reading
Speed reading is an ultra-rapid
skim-reading technique.
It can be useful for absorbing
information at a superficial
level.
It's not really suitable for
proper understanding.
It's unlikely to help if you
are engaged in studying.
Keep in mind the Woody Allen
joke:
"I went on a speed reading
course last week - and it worked!
Yesterday I read War and Peace
in an hour ... It's about some
Russians."
Once again
Choose your style of reading
to suit the task in hand.
Don't think that all books
should be read in the same
way.
Keep in mind why you
are reading. You'll get more
done! |
