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'''Reading Strategies and Techniques '''                                  (by: Basharat Ali. ( https://www.facebook.com/Basharat92 )

Reading for research purposes entails the application of a variety of reading techniques in order to achieve maximum effectiveness. The few types below outline the dominant strategies that you will use as an undergraduate.

1.Skimming is a mode of fast reading which is used to get a rapid general impression of what a text is about. In this mode of reading, if the text you are reading is a non-fictional text, you may first look at its table of contents, the summary, and subject index. You may next leaf through the text and focus attention on subtitles, headlines, content keywords, or prominent text features (passages printed in bold type, or colour, or with illustrations). Writers often use such features to highlight what they want to say. If, however, the text which you want to get a first impression of is a fictional text, you may decide to first read the opening scene and the beginning or ending of chapters. Skimming helps you decide if you like a book, its characters and story, its topics and style of writing. It may or may not be followed by some more intensive reading.

2.Scanning is a mode of fast reading which you use if you start with a predefined set of keywords and want to find out if a given text provides information on them. You leaf through the text and search for passages which contain your keywords. If you hit on pages which contain your keyword or semantically related words, it frequently is useful to note the page numbers for later intensive reading or for making abstracts. Skimming and scanning are modes of fast reading which can be practised by training in high speed reading. For an understanding of meaning to occur in speed reading, it is necessary to read in ‘chunks’. Estimates are that readers’ eyes must scan about 400 words a minute. High speed reading is mostly sustainable for short bursts only. The mind needs pauses for evaluation and assimilation of information (time to think and digest).

3.SQ3R Keeping that in mind we can now turto two well-known methods of reading that spell out in some detail the skills needed for reading. They are known as theSQ3R method, The SQ3R Reading Method Survey - Question - Read - Recite - Review

Survey • Survey the text before you start reading it from the first to the last page. • Consider its title, and headings and subheadings of chapters. What do they tell you about the content of the text? • Read introductory paragraphs and summaries of chapters. • Look for pictures, maps, graphs, charts illustrating meaning. • Check if the text has a subject index / glossary which may help you find specific information. Question • Do not try to cram into your head everything. Focus attention and what seems relevant or important. • Ask yourself: 'What do I already know about this topic?' • Ask yourself: 'Why do I read this text and what is my task in the seminar paper I am preparing?' • Ask yourself: 'What is important information for me?' • Ask: 'What is the context in which the author puts the text?' Read • When reading, focus first on what you do understand, do not first pick out and be taken aback by passages which you do not understand. • Reread passages which are not clear; use contextual clues and inferencing procedures for understanding them. • Look up words which you do not know in a dictionary but do so only for words which you feel are essential for understanding the text. • Read for meaning, relate what you read to what you know and ask yourself if it makes sense. Recite • At the end of a chapter summarize, in your own words, what you have just read. • Take notes from the text and underline/ highlight important points you have just read. • Ask yourself how the content of one chapter relates to that of another and why the author arranged them in that sequence. • Make notes of what seem to you open or controversial issues. Review • Learning is not possible without reviewing. Repetition is essential. Go over the notes you made or re-read a book or article after some time has elapsed. • Make notes of important points and create your own order.

4.SURVEYING: Scanning allows you to locate information quickly. Skimming allows you to digest the main ideas of a text quickly. Sometimes, you will need to spend more time on a particular extract. Detailed reading sets aside more time for you to focus on the essence of what you are looking for. Tips: ·        Make it interactive using highlighting or note-taking to record important aspects. ·        Do it in combination with scanning and skimming so that you can allocate your time efficiently and effectively.