Reading Skills Notes in English

Reading Skills

1. Kinds of Reading

Look, there are different ways of reading, just like we talk differently in different moods. Here are some types of reading methods:

1. Intensive Reading – This is when we read every single word carefully to understand everything well. Like when we read notes before an exam, we don't skip anything and understand everything in detail.

   • Example: Understanding a tough topic in Science in detail.

2. Extensive Reading – This is a relaxed way of reading, just for general understanding. You don't have to remember every detail.

   • Example: Reading a storybook or comic, just enjoying the story, not focusing too much on the words.

3. Skimming – When you need to understand only the main idea in a hurry, you just read over the surface.

   • Example: Reading the headlines of a newspaper, no need to read the full article.

4. Scanning – In this, we look for something specific, like a detective looking for a clue. We don't read every word, just find the information we need.

   • Example: Looking up a word's meaning in a dictionary or finding a date in a history book.

5. Silent Reading – When we read in our minds without making a sound. This helps in better concentration.

   • Example: Reading quietly in a library or at home.

6. Loud Reading – When we read by speaking out loud. This helps in practicing pronunciation and also boosts confidence.

   • Example: While practicing a speech or a poem.

2. Causes of Reading Difficulties

Now let's understand why reading problems occur. If we know the reason, the solution can also be found easily.

1. Lack of Concentration – If the mind wanders here and there or gets distracted, you won't understand what you are reading.

   • Example: Thinking about a game while reading a chapter.

2. Poor Vocabulary – If you don't know the meaning of words, you won't understand what you are reading.

   • Example: Getting confused by difficult words in a science article.

3. Slow Reading Speed – If you read very slowly, you start to feel bored and the reading stretches for a long time.

   • Example: Taking a very long time to read a short story.

4. Lack of Interest – If you are not interested in the topic, you won't feel like reading.

   • Example: Finding a history chapter boring and feeling sleepy.

5. Difficulty in Understanding Complex Sentences – Very long and twisted sentences seem confusing.

   • Example: Not being able to understand the definitions in science.

6. Pronunciation Issues – If you can't pronounce words correctly, you hesitate to speak and your interest also decreases.

   • Example: Not feeling confident while reading aloud in class.

3. Reading Strategies

Now there is no need to worry. There are some tricks to make reading easier, using which will make understanding simpler:

1. Previewing – Before reading, look at the title, headings, pictures, and bold words. This gives an idea of the topic.

   • Example: Glancing at the headings and pictures before reading a science chapter.

2. Predicting – Before reading, guess what the text might be about. This keeps the interest alive.

   • Example: Guessing the plot by looking at the title of a story.

3. Summarizing – After reading, write a short summary in your own words. This helps in remembering the main points.

   • Example: Writing a summary of a chapter and using it as short notes.

4. Questioning – Ask questions while reading, this keeps the mind active.

   • Example: Asking yourself while reading a story, "Why did the character do that?"

5. Visualizing – While reading, imagine the events in your mind. This makes reading more interesting.

   • Example: Creating a picture of a jungle in your mind while reading an adventure story.

6. Re-reading – If you don't understand it the first time, read it again slowly.

   • Example: Reading a tough paragraph again and again until it becomes clear.

7. Context Clues – If you don't understand a word, guess its meaning by looking at the words around it.

• Example: In “The lion roared loudly,” if you don’t know the meaning of ‘roared’, you can guess from ‘lion’ that it is the sound a lion makes.

Reading Skills - Questions and Answers

1. What are the main types of reading?

Answer: There are six main types of reading:

• Intensive Reading – To understand in detail.
• Extensive Reading – For general understanding.
• Skimming – To quickly grasp the main idea.
• Scanning – To find specific information.
• Silent Reading – Reading in your mind without making a sound.
• Loud Reading – Reading out loud to improve pronunciation.

2. What is Intensive Reading?

Answer: In Intensive Reading, every word is read carefully to understand every detail well. It is used when preparing for an exam or trying to understand a tough topic.

3. What is Extensive Reading?

Answer: In Extensive Reading, we relax and just enjoy the story or information. There is no need to remember every detail. Example: Reading a novel or a comic.

4. What is Skimming?

Answer: In skimming, we quickly read over the surface just to understand the main idea. Example: Reading newspaper headlines.

5. What is Scanning?

Answer: Scanning is used when we need to find specific information. We don't read every word, just search for the information we need. Example: Looking up a word's meaning in a dictionary.

6. What are the causes of reading difficulties?

Answer: The main reasons for problems in reading are:

• Lack of Concentration
• Poor Vocabulary
• Slow Reading Speed
• Lack of Interest
• Difficulty in Understanding Complex Sentences
• Pronunciation Issues

7. How does poor vocabulary affect reading?

Answer: If you don't know the meaning of words, you can't understand the text and get confused. This also reduces interest in reading.

8. Why is Concentration important in reading?

Answer: If your mind is distracted, you won't be able to focus on reading and won't understand anything. Concentration helps in understanding quickly and well.

9. What is Silent Reading?

Answer: In Silent Reading, we read in our minds without making a sound. This leads to better concentration and faster reading.

10. What is Loud Reading?

Answer: In Loud Reading, we read by speaking out loud. It helps in practicing pronunciation and boosts confidence, especially when practicing a speech or poem.

11. What is Previewing in reading strategies?

Answer: In Previewing, we first look at the title, headings, and pictures to get an idea of what the chapter might be about. This prepares the mind before reading and makes it easier to understand.

12. What is Predicting in reading strategies?

Answer: In Predicting, we guess what might happen next before reading. This keeps the interest alive and makes reading fun.

13. What is Visualizing in reading strategies?

Answer: In Visualizing, we imagine a picture or scene in our mind while reading the text. This makes the story more interesting and easier to understand.

14. How does Re-reading help in understanding?

Answer: If you don't understand the text the first time, reading it again slowly clears up confusion and clarifies details.

15. What are Context Clues?

Answer: Context Clues are the words around an unfamiliar word that help us guess its meaning. Example: In “The lion roared loudly,” we can understand that ‘roared’ means the ‘sound of a lion’ from the word ‘lion’.