READ BETTER

It’s important to understand what you read. Reading for academic purposes is a three-step process: 1 Get an overview by skimming – you look at the title and cover to get an idea of what the book is about. 2 Detailed or comprehensive reading – when you read everything to get an understanding of the text. 3 Critical reading – when you analyse a text and break it into smaller parts. The following are students’ suggested solutions for various reading difficulties:

Not understanding the title Use a dictionary. Discuss it with others. Read the text then try to figure out what it means. Losing concentration Read slower and read small sections at a time. Read and reward yourself with food, music and so forth.

Not discovering the main points Read the introduction and conclusion again, and the first sentence in each paragraph – these are the places you should find the main points.

There’s too much to read Draw up a timetable for your reading and don’t leave it until the last minute. Read every day and devote one day per week to each subject. Make short notes and always stick to your timetable.

I try to memorise the text but forget easily Don’t. Rather write short summaries in your own words to test your understanding of important information.

Some texts are problematic and boring Discuss them in groups. Use drawings, colour and highlighters to work through text and make it more interesting. Make notes in the margin for yourself.

I can’t cope with the difficult words Underline them without stopping your reading and come back to them later.