Reading process
Reading is a three step process. The first step is to know. The second step is to choose. The last step is to read.
Step 1: Know
Before we start reading, we need to know our reading purpose or what we intend to do with the information. It can be:
Let's look at Debbie and Chuck.
Chuck: I can't get this new computer to work. Debbie, can you find the manual for me? I hope it's something easy to fix.
Debbie: Sure, here it is. Any luck?
Chuck: Not really. I suspect it might be the motherboard. I remember reading about a manufacturer recall in the newspaper. Apparently, there was a faulty batch.
Debbie: We'd better ring the computer shop and find out. I'll get the phone number for you.
Can you see three different reading purposes in this conversation?
Chuck: I can't get this new computer to work. Debbie, can you find the manual for me? I hope it's something easy to fix.
What do you think is Chuck's purpose in reading the manual? Chuck's reading purpose is to understand the information about his computer so he can get it to work.
Chuck: I suspect it might be the motherboard. I remember reading about a manufacturer recall in the newspaper. Apparently, there was a faulty batch.
What do you think was Chuck's reading purpose when he read the article in the newspaper? Chuck's reading purpose was to remember the information about the manufacturer recall since it may be useful for him later.
Debbie: We'd better ring the computer shop and find out. I'll get the phone number for you.
What do you think is Debbie's purpose when she's reading the phone directory? Debbie's reading purpose is to find and use the information quickly. That is the phone number of the computer shop.
Step 2: Choose
Once we know our reading purpose, we can then choose the suitable reading method which can be:
Let's look at each of them.
Step 2: Choose - selective reading
Debbie uses a selective reading method to look up the shop number in the phone directory. Selective reading is to read only the parts we need to know. This method is useful when we are looking for a particular piece of information. The quick way is to read through the table of contents, introduction, conclusion, headings and index.
Step 2: Choose - comprehending reading
Chuck uses a selective reading method to locate the troubleshooting section in the manual. After that, he will need a comprehending reading method to understand how to set up his new computer correctly. When we use comprehending reading, we need to: Interpret the information and Understand the information.
Step 2: Choose - absorbing reading
Chuck can remember the article he read in the newspaper because he absorbed it into his memory.
If Chuck needs to retain this information permanently, he'll need to review it regularly.
To use an absorbing reading method, we need to:
Step 3: Read - practice
When we talk about reading, we are not only concerned about how fast we can read but also how well we understand what we've read.
Unfortunately, these two skills work against each other. The faster we try to read, the less we are likely to be able to concentrate and understand.
Reading is about practice. The more we practice, the faster and more efficiently we can read.
Reading environment
Reading, particularly comprehending and absorbing reading, requires good concentration.
Julie is reading a report. Do you think her room is an ideal environment for good reading?
In this topic, we have learned that:
