READING

• Reading is a complex cognitive process of decoding symbols in order to construct or derive meaning (reading comprehension). It is a means of language acquisition, of communication, and of sharing information and ideas.

• Reading can be silent (in our head) or aloud (so that other people can hear).

• Reading is a receptive skill - through it we receive information.

Four Language Skills• Listening• Speaking• Reading• Writing

Why do we read?

• The reading that you do for your studies is often different from reading for leisure.

Reading Techniques

Skimming

• Skimming reading quickly in order to find out what the text is about. Skimming can also take in features such as headings, subheadings and illustrations to obtain an overview of the subject matter.

• Skimming is one of the tools you can use to read more in less time.

• Skimming refers to looking only for the general or main ideas, and works best with non-fiction (or factual) material.

• Skimming is useful when you want to survey a text to get a general idea of what it is about.

How to skim?

1.) Look at the title, subheadings, pictures, diagrams and whatever else stands out on the page.2.) Read the first and last paragraphs of the chapter in full.

3.) Read the first sentence of each paragraph. 4.) Read words, sentences or phrases in bold or italic type. 5.) Try to read the text quickly, but pay attention to what you pick up in the process.

Scanning

• Scanning is another useful tool for speeding up your reading. Unlike skimming, when scanning, you look only for a specific fact or piece of information without reading everything.

• Scanning is done to locate specific information, making use of key words.

• For scanning to be successful, you need to understand how your material is structured as well as comprehend what you read so you can locate the specific information you need.

• Scanning also allows you to find details and other information in a hurry.

How to Scan?

1.) The material you scan is typically arranged in the following ways: alphabetically, chronologically, non-alphabetically, by category, or textually. 2.) Learning to use your hands while scanning is very helpful in locating specific information.

3.) Your peripheral vision can also help you scan effectively. 4.) Keep the concept of key words in mind while scanning. Your purpose will determine the key words.5.) You scan when your aim is to find specific pieces of information.

Receptive Reading

• This is used when you need a good general understanding or to discover accurately what has been written. It may also be used to give you food for thought, or prompt you to think creatively and reflectively.

• When reading receptively, you need time to pay close attention to the text, perhaps allowing for periods in which to reflect on what you have read, working through the text in sequence, at a moderate speed.

• Also take appropriate notes.

Critical Reading

• Critical reading is a form of language analysis that does not take the given text at face value, but involves a deeper examination of the claims put forth as well as the supporting points and possible counterarguments.

• Critical reading means that a reader applies certain processes, models, questions, and theories that result in enhanced clarity and comprehension.

• A critical reading gets at "deep structure" , that is, logical consistency, tone, organization, and a number of other very important sounding terms.

• Critical reading involves using logical and rhetorical skills.

What does it take to be a critical reader?

1. Prepare to become part of the writer's audience.

2. Prepare to read with an open mind. 3. Consider the title. 4. Read slowly. 5. Use the dictionary and other appropriate

reference works.

6. Make notes. 7. Keep a reading journal.

READING DIET

Kevin Eikenberry (http://blog.kevineikenberry.com) proposed a model of a balanced reading diet. It’s like the balanced food diet which has different components.

• He said : “Rather than thinking of a reading diet in a daily way, as you will see, I encourage you to think of it in a weekly way. Even so, making time to read at least a little each day is an important component to a successful life, and doing it consistently and daily is a habit shared by most high achievers in any field.”

The Parts of a Reading Diet

• Goal Reading. These are the materials you are reading to help you reach a major or important life goal.

• Inspirational Reading. Each day make time to read something that inspires or lifts your mind and attitude.

• Professional Reading. This is the reading you need to do for your work or profession to stay up with industry trends and information.

• Current Reading. This is the news and current events – coming from a newspaper or the web.

• Serendipitous Reading. This is reading from unexpected sources, meant to provide new ideas and creative thought.

• Fun Reading. This is whatever you read for fun.

• Light Reading. This might be celebrity news, much of your social media consumption or other light reading that doesn’t provide any nutritional value but fills up our mind (and time) and keeps us from the healthy inputs our brain needs.