How to read better

DO you have trouble reading textbooks? If so, you’re not alone. Luckily, it’s also very easy to improve.

Don’t be intimidated by size

Most of us get our daily reading from newspapers and magazines. What has happened over the last 20 years is that we have gone from broadsheet newspapers and print magazines to tiny phone screens.

As such, media pieces have shrunk drastically. As a result, many people are intimidated by the sheer size of textbooks. As a first step, adapt your mindset. Understand that a textbook is like a gourmet meal. It’s big because it’s going to be satisfying.

Reading is a skill

Like all skills, it’s a matter of practising. You wouldn’t expect to step out of the house and complete a marathon, so it’s unreasonable to pick up a textbook for the first time and to deal with it like a professor.

Start reading newspaper sections and magazines that have full-length features.

In college, understand that your first year is designed to get you up to speed on your skills. Follow the directions for all the readings. Don’t whine and ask to be excused. See the initial struggles as first steps on the path to superstardom.

Skim, focus and reread

Textbooks tend to have layers built into them. The title and the subheadings will tell you what the main points are.

You may also have exercises that help you check for your learning. However, the best way to read better is to skim first. That gives you a big picture overview.

Then ask yourself, “What is my goal in reading this?” The answer is not “To get an A”. See what information you need to get to grips with. Then reread and focus on that.