Reading Skill

Introduction

According to Richard Steele, ‘Reading is to mind what exercise is to body’. 

Akin to keeping one’s body fit with regular exercises, reading helps to keep the mind active. Comprehending what we read is the most demanding aspect of our reading. Students and professionals need to read a variety of texts in order to understand concepts, enhance their knowledge and to know what is going on around them. However, if they are not aware of certain reading techniques they may feel that they are wasting time in reading texts. When they learn these techniques and practice them while reading, they may find that their reading is more meaningful, fruitful, and enjoyable.

Improving Comprehension Skill

The following are some of the ways in which comprehension skills

can be improved:

• Read a variety of materials. Do not limit yourself to textbooks.

• Read a fairly long portion of the material. It would be difficult to assess reading comprehension based on one or two paragraphs. Try to read an entire section or chapter instead.

• Circle unknown or unfamiliar words as you read.

• After reading, recall as much of the information as possible. Jot down points if you like. Then check the accuracy and completeness of your recollections. If the main ideas are presented in a particular order, see if you can recall the structure.

• Consider how interesting the subject matter is and how much you already know about the subject.

• Answer questions about the material after reading it.

These strategies may help you in achieving the following purposes.

• To enhance understanding of the content in a text

• To improve understanding of how information is organized in a text

• To improve attention and concentration while reading

• To make reading a more active process

• To increase personal involvement in the reading material

• To promote critical thinking and evaluation of reading material

• To enhance registration and recall of text information in one’s memory

Techniques for Good Comprehension  

1. Skimming and scanning
2. Non-verbal signals
3. Structure of the text
4. Structure of paragraphs
5. Punctuation
6. Author’s viewpoint (inference)
7. Reader anticipation: Determining the meaning of words
8. Summarizing
9. Typical reading comprehension questions

1. Skimming and Scanning

Skimming means reading a text quickly to understand its general idea, without reading every word.

When skimming, look at:

• Title and headings – What is the text about?
• Type of text – Is it an article, letter, report, advertisement, etc.?
• Purpose – Does the writer want to inform, explain, describe, instruct, or persuade?
• Main idea – What is the text generally about?

Example: You read a newspaper article quickly to decide whether it is interesting enough to read fully.

Scanning – Finding Specific Information 

Scanning means reading quickly to find particular information.

You scan when you are looking for:

• A name
• A date
• A number
• A place
• A specific fact

Easy way to remember:

Skimming = General Idea

Scanning = Specific Information

2. Non-verbal Signals 

A text communicates not only through words, but also through its appearance and layout.

Look for:

• Bold / Italics / Underlining – highlights important words
• Title – tells the main subject
• Subheading – gives information about a section
• Photographs & Captions – provide visual information
• Paragraphs – divide ideas into smaller sections
• Graphs & Charts – present information visually

3. Structure of a Text 

Most texts follow this simple structure:

Title → Introduction → Body → Conclusion

• Title: Tells you the topic.
• Introduction: Introduces the topic.
• Body: Gives details, examples, and explanations.
• Conclusion: Summarizes the main idea.

4. Structure of a Paragraph

A good paragraph usually has three parts:

Topic Sentence → Supporting Details → Conclusion/Link

• Topic Sentence: Gives the main idea.
• Supporting Details: Explain or support the idea with reasons, examples, or facts.
• Conclusion/Link: Summarizes the idea or connects it to the next paragraph.

5. Punctuation 

Punctuation marks help us understand the meaning and structure of a sentence.

Examples:

• Comma (,) – separates parts of a sentence.
• Full stop (.) – shows the end of a sentence.
• Question mark (?) – shows a question.
• Brackets ( ) – add extra information.
• Quotation marks (“ ”) – show exact words or speech.

6. Author’s Viewpoint (Inference) 

When reading a text, we should understand what the author thinks or feels.

Ask yourself:

• Is the author neutral?
• Does the author support or oppose something?
• What words show the author's feelings or opinions?
• Words that show viewpoint:
• Positive: luckily, desirable, fantastic
• Negative: unfortunately, regrettably, disappointing
• Surprise: surprisingly, unexpectedly
• Certainty: obviously, undoubtedly, certainly
• Possibility: probably, likely, maybe, unlikely
• Strong meaning:

big → huge → gigantic

afraid → terrified

small → tiny

Example:

“Only 40% of the staff is female.” → sounds more negative.

“As much as 40% of the staff is female.” → sounds more positive.

7. Reader Anticipation: Guessing the Meaning of Words 

Sometimes we come across a new or unfamiliar word while reading. We do not always need a dictionary. We can often guess its meaning from the context.

5 Easy Steps

1. Identify the Word Class

Is it a noun, verb, adjective, or adverb?

2. Look at Its Role

Understand how the word is used in the sentence.

3. Check the Context

Look at the words and sentences around it. Do they give a positive or negative meaning?

4. Find a Familiar Word

See if the new word is related to a word you already know.

aging → age

5. Guess the Meaning

Combine all the clues and decide what the word probably means.

Example : “The population is aging rapidly.”

Unknown word: aging

Familiar word: age

Context: population + rapidly

Meaning: becoming older

8. Summarizing 

A summary is a short version of a text containing only its main and important ideas.

How to Write a Good Summary:

Step 1: Read and Understand

Read the text carefully and understand its main idea.

Step 2: Select Important Points

Keep only essential information. Remove unnecessary details and examples.

Step 3: Use Your Own Words

Paraphrase the ideas instead of copying the original sentences.

Step 4: Connect Your Ideas

Use linking words such as:

therefore, however, because, but, nevertheless, on the other hand.

Step 5: Check the Length

Keep your summary short and follow the required word limit.

9. Typical Reading Comprehension Questions 

Reading comprehension questions test how well you understand a passage. Most questions fall into three main categories:

1. Questions Based on the Entire Passage 

These questions ask about the passage as a whole.

They usually focus on:

• Main point – What is the passage mainly about?
• Author’s purpose – Why did the author write it?
• Author’s attitude/tone – What does the author think or feel?
• Assumptions – What does the author believe without directly saying it?
• Implications – What does the author suggest indirectly?
• Application – How can the main idea be applied?
• Summary – Which statement or title best summarizes the passage?
• Content – What information does the passage contain?
• Inference – What can you understand from the passage?
• Author’s agreement – Which statement would the author probably agree with?

2. Questions Based on a Section of the Passage 

These questions focus on one paragraph or a particular part of the text.

To answer them:

Identify the main idea of the paragraph.

Look for important cue words such as:

advantages / disadvantages

similarities / differences

in contrast

in comparison

most importantly

primarily

on the other hand

These questions often ask about:

• Inference
• Application
• Implication

3. Questions Based on Words, Phrases, or Sentences 

These questions focus on a specific word, phrase, or sentence.

They may ask:

• What does this word mean in the passage?
• Why did the author use this particular word?
• What does this sentence suggest?
• What is the meaning or purpose of this information?

Predicting the Content

Predicting content means guessing or anticipating what information will come next in a reading passage. It helps readers understand the passage quickly and completely.

Readers can predict content by using:

Headings and subheadings

Topic sentences

Graphics such as graphs and diagrams

Pronouns, transitions, repetitions, and synonyms

Background knowledge

Steps:

Quickly glance through the passage to understand the subject.

Identify important linguistic and graphic clues.

Recall related information from your knowledge.

Use background knowledge to predict what comes next.

Example: In a passage about deep-sea currents, words such as deep-sea storms, oceanographic studies, and HEBBLE suggest that the passage will discuss how scientists gradually accepted the existence of deep-sea currents and the research supporting it.

Understanding the Gist

Reading for gist means understanding the general meaning, main idea, or central theme of a passage without focusing on every individual word.

Previous knowledge helps us understand a passage quickly. Unfamiliar or complex topics may take more time.

Every passage contains a main idea supported by subordinate ideas and details.

To understand the gist, identify:

• The title or main heading
• The main idea
• The topic sentence of each paragraph

Important repeated words or synonyms

• The relationship between ideas and supporting details
• The main idea is often found in the first one-third of a passage.
• The opening and concluding paragraphs can also help identify the central idea.
• Skimming the beginning of a text can help understand its overall organization.

Example: The passage “Communicating through Space” explains that people communicate partly through the physical distance they maintain from others. This distance varies across cultures and can be divided into four zones: Intimate, Personal, Social, and Public Distance.

SQ3R Reading Technique

SQ3R is an effective reading technique that helps readers understand and remember a text. SQ3R stands for Survey, Question, Read, Recite/Recall, and Review. It helps save time and improves reading comprehension.

1. Survey

First, the reader gets an overview of the text. The reader looks at the title, headings, subheadings, pictures, captions, highlighted words, introduction, conclusion and summary. This gives an idea about the structure and topic of the text.

2. Question

The reader asks questions about the text before and during reading. Questions create curiosity and help the reader identify the important points. They also give a clear purpose for reading.

3. Read

The reader then reads the text carefully to find answers to the questions. Important ideas and supporting details are identified. Difficult texts may require slower reading, while simple texts can be read faster. Making short notes can also help.

4. Recite/Recall

After reading, the reader tries to remember the main points without looking at the text. The ideas should be explained or spoken in one's own words. This helps improve memory and understanding.

5. Review

Finally, the reader checks what has been remembered. The reader can refer back to the text or notes to check accuracy. If some points are forgotten, they can be reread and reviewed.

Thus, the SQ3R technique makes reading more systematic and effective. It helps readers understand, remember and review information while reducing unnecessary repeated reading.

 Easy Recall 

S – Survey → Look
Q – Question → Ask
R – Read → Understand
R – Recite/Recall → Remember
R – Review → Check

STUDY SKILLS

Introduction

Study skills are the techniques and abilities that help a learner understand, organize, remember, and use information effectively. They are especially useful while reading textbooks, articles, passages, and other study materials. Good study skills also help students answer reading comprehension questions accurately.

Two important study skills are:

1. Note-making
2. Sequencing of sentences

Understanding discourse coherence is also important because it helps us arrange and connect ideas logically.

1. Note-making

Note-making is the systematic process of writing down the important information, ideas, facts, opinions, and arguments from a text for future use.

We cannot remember everything we read. Therefore, note-making helps us select important information and record it briefly.

Importance of Note-making

• Remember the important points of a text.
• Understand the main ideas and supporting ideas.
• Revise a large amount of material quickly.
• Save time during examination preparation.
• Organize information systematically.
• Identify information that is relevant to our purpose.
• Prepare answers from lengthy texts.
• Improve comprehension and concentration.
• Qualities required for good note-making

There are three important methods:

A. Outline / Linear Method

In the outline or linear method, the main ideas and their supporting points are arranged in a systematic order.

The main idea is written first, followed by its sub-points.

Advantages

• Easy to read.
• Easy to revise.
• Shows hierarchy between ideas.
• Useful for examination preparation.

B. Sentence / Categorical Method

In this method, the main ideas and supporting ideas are written as short sentences.

Instead of using only words or phrases, the student writes complete but brief sentences.

Advantages

• Ideas are expressed clearly.
• Easy to understand.
• Useful when the relationships between ideas need explanation.
• Helps students convert notes into paragraphs.

C. Schematic / Mapping Method

The schematic or mapping method represents information through circles, boxes, arrows, and branches.

The central idea is placed in the middle, and supporting ideas are connected to it.

Rules for mapping

• Put the main idea in a central box or circle.
• Connect major ideas through branches.
• Add minor details to the appropriate branches.
• Use arrows or lines to show relationships.
• Keep all branches connected to the central idea.

Advantages

• Saves space.
• Gives a quick overview.
• Shows relationships between ideas.
• Useful for complex topics.
• Makes revision easier.

2. Discourse Coherence

Discourse means a connected piece of speech or writing on a particular subject.

Coherence means the logical connection and smooth development of ideas in a text.

A coherent paragraph has sentences that are properly connected and arranged so that the reader can easily understand the writer's meaning.

Incoherent writing

The students worked hard for the examination. Cars are expensive. The weather was pleasant. They performed well.

The sentences do not have a logical relationship. Therefore, the paragraph lacks coherence.

How to achieve coherence

• Arrange sentences in a logical order.
• Keep the discussion focused on the main topic.
• Connect one idea with the next.
• Use suitable transition words.
• Avoid unnecessary repetition.
• Avoid too many short and disconnected sentences.
• Avoid using transition words unnecessarily.
• Discourse Markers / Transitional Words

Discourse markers are words or phrases that show the relationship between ideas.

Function	Discourse Markers
Contrast	but, however, although, whereas, nevertheless
Addition	moreover, furthermore, also, in addition
Result	therefore, thus, hence, consequently, as a result
Reason	because, since, due to, on account of
Example	for example, for instance
Similarity	similarly, likewise, in the same way
Topic Shift	regarding, as for, with regard to

3. Sequencing of Sentences

Meaning

Sequencing of sentences means arranging sentences in the correct logical order to form a meaningful and coherent paragraph.

Sometimes the sentences of a paragraph are given in a mixed order. We have to identify which sentence should come first, which should follow it, and how the paragraph should end.

Steps for sequencing

Step 1: Read all the sentences

Read every sentence carefully before deciding the order.

Step 2: Find the topic sentence

Identify the sentence that introduces the main subject or central idea.

Usually, this sentence comes first.

Step 3: Find supporting sentences

Look for sentences that explain, describe, or provide examples related to the topic sentence.

Step 4: Look for connecting clues

Pay attention to:

• Discourse markers
• Pronouns
• Repeated words
• Synonyms
• Cause-and-effect relationships
• Time or sequence indicators

For example, words such as first, then, next, finally clearly indicate order.

Step 5: Arrange logically

Put the sentences in a sequence such as:

Step 6: Read the complete paragraph

Finally, read the paragraph from beginning to end and check whether the ideas flow naturally.

Final Conclusion

Study skills are essential for effective reading and comprehension. Note-making helps us identify and record important information, while discourse coherence helps us connect ideas smoothly. Sequencing of sentences helps us arrange ideas in a logical order. Together, these skills make reading, understanding, revision, and answer writing more effective.

Improve Reading Skills by Using the Internet 

Introduction 

For students wishing to improve their reading skills these days, there is nothing better than the Internet to provide a wide range of opportunities, resources, and links to find anything from beginning readers to literature passages that test and challenge reading skills. Studies have shown that using the Internet to improve reading and English writing skills provides students with a wide range of selections that prevent boredom and provide entertainment. 

Students who learn and improve their English reading skills through various computer software programs or Internet resources find that global interactions via forum boards and blogging helps them to make personal connections with others learning at their speed, and also provides them with help and guidance along the way. This article will illustrate some of the many ways students may improve their English reading and writing comprehension through the use of the World Wide Web. 

Tips on Using the Internet for Improvement 

Whether you are learning English as a second language or are merely trying to increase and improve your English vocabulary, reading, or writing capabilities, the Internet can help in many ways. However, there are certain things computer users should remember when it comes to exploring and learning over the Internet. 

Students learn differently, and that goes for those learning English, science, math or history. Some of us are visual learners, meaning that we understand more clearly when we can see something, and others are auditory learners, which mean they do best when hearing information. Some students are a combination of visual and auditory learners, while other students are tactile learners, which mean they do better if they can explore, touch, and feel items or objects that pertain to their area of study. 

Because of this, every student will gain different benefits from learning over the Internet. Learn at your own pace, and try to find resources and links that interest you to help prevent boredom, lack of interest, or confusion. Choose the type of Internet websites and links that interest you and what you would like to learn about. Your reading level and English vocabulary capabilities may limit you to certain games, websites, or informational materials, but the important thing is to explore your options and then make your choice. 

There is so much more to reading than vocabulary building, so when looking for websites to help improve your reading, choose wisely. Try to find websites that not only offer vocabulary lists and vocabulary building resources, but also those that explain their usage in sentence structures. Grammar is an essential part of the English language and learning the basics of grammar will provide a solid foundation for both reading and writing the English language. 

Try to find websites that offer both visual and auditory support for reading and vocabulary building. Such websites will offer graphics and sound to help perfect your pronunciation, as well  as the meaning of root words, suffixes, prefixes, and how they are used to build vocabulary. 

When learning on the Internet, try to get into the habit of speaking out loud. Most of the time, students in classroom environments are encouraged to read silently. However, whenever possible, repeat vocabulary or reading passages out loud when using the Internet. Doing so is very effective in helping students memorize vocabulary, pronunciation, and sentence formation. 

The Internet provides a wide range of opportunities for improving English reading, but students should also be realistic and patient in their goals. Remember the saying, "practice makes perfect." Don't expect to remember every vocabulary list or reading passage the first time. Realize that you will make mistakes, and then go back and try again. Don't get discouraged, but take the time to practice every day for short periods of time and you will begin to see improvements almost immediately. 

Reading Links and Resources 

While the following list is not meant to be all-inclusive of the types of websites available on the Internet, they will offer students a starting point when it comes to finding resources and links to improve reading. 

A very user-friendly reading site, called ESL Reading Smart, offers students opportunities to access the various reading-level materials and selections. Containing more than 100 lessons and multimedia activities, this website provides printable student materials or lesson plans for English as second language students. This website offers a free trial as well as demonstration of their services and capabilities. 

Natural Reader, offers students the capabilities of downloading books on tape as well as converting text to Mp3 capabilities. 

TextAloudMp3 reads text from webpages, emails, and other materials, out loud on your computer. Great practice for listening and pronunciation, users can download the weather, news, text files and stocks via this site. Files may be uploaded or pasted on a page that is read and can be saved to Mp3 players or Windows media files for transfer to iPods, Pocket PCs, or TVs equipped with TiVo's home media option. 

StoryPlace is a website that offers a children's digital library for reading and listening comprehension of storybooks. Many adults hoping to improve reading skills find that using children's storybooks provides an easy and visually stimulating way to learn new vocabulary. This website also offers interactive and animated stories with activities and reading lists to related materials. Geared for the elementary level student, it offers reading materials in both English and Spanish. Find them at www.storyplace.org 

Most students of a foreign language understand that listening to the spoken language is one of the best ways to learn new vocabulary and to improve reading and speaking skills. Combining vocabulary lists and graphics is also an excellent way to help students memorize words and concepts. When looking for websites, try to find those that are user-friendly, adapt well to your computer's capabilities and offer activities that will help improve your skills. 

Many students wishing to improve their reading skills engage in independent study. Through the use of grammar and vocabulary skills and understanding, a variety of websites may offer quizzes and games that enhance the skills. One such website, Self-Study Quizzes for ESL Students, offers learners of all ages the ability to test their own knowledge whenever they wish. 

Grammar quizzes, vocabulary quizzes, websites that use music or movies to help improve vocabulary, may all be found on the Internet with a little bit of patience. Website resources also include help with misspelled words, grammar, and provide puzzles and games for ESL students and native English speakers wishing to improve their comprehension, reading skills, and written language skills. 

Remember that when using the Internet, new vocabulary must necessarily be practiced and repeated many times before a student may remember its spelling and usage. In order for students to transfer written grammar rules into everyday spoken language, he or she must be exposed to it on a daily basis. Patience is one of the most important things to remember for all students trying to improve their reading skills, regardless of age and origin. 

Forum Boards, Discussion Groups, and Blogging Tools 

Forum boards, discussion groups, and blogs offer unlimited ideas and resources for students wishing to improve their reading and comprehension skills. A few are listed here: 

Discussion boards, such as http://www.grammmudge.cityslide.com/Home.html, offer links to various discussion boards grammar, ESL, education and literature. 

A great forum board to start your search for discussions about anything and everything.

Blogging is a great way to immerse yourself into language issues, as well as links to additional resources. Check out this one called Improve Reading Comprehension 

Online resources for students wishing to improve their reading skills are available at the click of a mouse. It is up to the student learning independently to find the websites and resources. They correspond to his or her language and reading levels. Accessing discussion and forum boards, as well is blogging tools also help students to make contact with others wishing to improve their reading and who may also offer additional resources and ideas. The key to using the Internet to improve reading may be defined as a variety of tools and materials that will provide a student with a rich and entertaining mix of grammar, speech, and comprehension skills to enhance both reading and writing the English language.