Reading is of course one of the essential English skills. When you are reading an article there are a range of strategies you can use. Here we are going to take you through 7 different ways you can try when you are reading a new article.
1) Previewing is an essential skill, so you can get an idea of what the article is about. You should look at the title, any images or photos; these along with signal words will help you get an idea. For example: If you see words like first, second, third or there is a numbered list. Then you know it is a summary of something or perhaps a guide on how to do something.
2) Contextualising. Try to consider what you are reading. Is it a news article centered on something that happens everywhere in the world, or just in one specific location? Is this something that affects you, the reader, or other people in the world? Does the main character in the story go through something you can relate to, or something you have no experience in? These are great questions you should think about when you are reading.
3) Visualising. Many people are what we call 'visual learners'. Some people need to"see" the information, think about if you can see the main character in your imagination. If you are reading an article about the environment, can you picture the polluted river? Try to make a mind map, so you can see how the information flows together.
4) Asking & Answering Questions. When you preview the article what questions come to mind. Going back to the idea of reading an article about pollution, can you think of what solutions might be suggested before you get to that part? Think about questions you would like answered when you are reading, and then see how the author goes about answering them.
5) Summarising. When you have finished reading, you should be able to summarise what you have read. This could be just telling the main points to your friend, or writing a full paragraph. This gives you the important skill of getting the gist (the mainpoint). If you can summarise what has happened clearly then you are well on your way to becoming an excellent reader.
6) Skimming is a speed-reading skill and it is when you do not read every word. This is when you look over the article to get the main idea. This helps you find the parts that you want to read in more detail. This is particularly useful when you are studying subjects like business, you have a report to read and it is more than 10 pages long. Skim the report, and you can keep the main idea, and then read in more detail when you find an interesting part.
7) Scanning is the other speed-reading skill that you need to master. This is when you are looking for a particular piece of information. Think about when you have a reading exam and the question asks you “When...” so you know you are looking for a date, and that is what your eyes are searching for. You do not need to read every word.
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