4 Types of Reading Skills with Examples to Save Time

We have been through the stage where we started learning to read. Initially, it was words, then sentences and then phrases and finally paragraph. So one of the most essential thing that you need to learn about proper reading is the Technique! 

In English, there are different reading techniques and every student must be aware of it. Not only students but everyone who is pursuing a career in English must know about the various techniques. In addition to that, English learners must also understand which technique would be most suited and in which situation. Depending on the different reading tasks, learners must follow the different reading techniques. It is the thing that will make your reading very effective. 

This blog will help you to train yourself in knowing the different techniques and the right time to use them. It is the most important step in the reading process. It will be very helpful especially during the exams when the time constraint is an essential factor. The right decision is to be made on time to make your reading more effective.

In English, there are four main reading techniques:

  • Skimming
  • Scanning
  • Intensive
  • Extensive

1. Skimming – Gist Reading

This technique is also referred to as Gist reading. Skimming is the process that would help you would get a basic idea of what the text is about. This technique is followed generally while reading a magazine or newspaper. It will help you mentally to shortlist all the articles or topics that you might consider reading. 

Moreover, it can also be observed while you are skimming through the phone dictionary for a particular name or number. 

It is observed that in the skimming technique a person can reach the speed of 700 – 750 words per minute. With proper training, you can reach a higher level as well.

The most important thing here is that the skimming technique saves a lot of time for the reader. But it won’t be beneficial while you are working with the reading comprehension. It would be helpful only when your ultimate goal is to have a preview of the text and get a better idea of the content. 

This particular technique would be applied to various instances:

  • Have a look at the table of contents first.
  • While reviewing the subheadings in each chapter.
  • If in case you need to have a quick read of the first paragraph in that section.

2. Quickly Scanning Text

In the process of scanning, you just involve your eyes to quickly scan through the sentences and try to get a simple piece of information. Some of the results have also concluded that while reading from a computer screen the reader inhibits the pathway of scanning.

This process is far more conductive than skimming in comprehensions. It has been observed that students do not pay as much attention to the illustrations or introduction.

Read more on: Skimming And Scanning Reading Strategies

3. Intensive and Deep Reading

In the technique of Intensive Reading, you have to be very clear in your mind. Ensure that this reading strategy is far more time consuming than scanning and skimming. 

It can be the best technique if you are trying to list the chronology of events in a long passage. It will help you in reading intensively and deeply. This specific technique would be beneficial for all the language learners who need help in understanding various vocabulary. It will help you to deduce the meaning of the word in context.

In addition to that, you would be getting help in the retention of the information for a long period of time. Therefore before any exams, kids or students are asked to follow the intensive reading practice. It is one of the most effective methods.

4. Extensive Reading

This is the most pleasurable reading practice. It generally involves the element of enjoyment. This practice is very unlikely to be taken up by the student while preparing for any sort of exam. It will basically involve the fluid of decoding or assimilation of the content. While reading whenever you feel that the content is becoming difficult to comprehend then you stop and look up the dictionary. 

We hope that these four reading techniques will help you read faster and deduce the meaning of comprehension without wasting much of your time.

 

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Quick Links

  1. Techniques to Improve English Reading Skills
  2. Examples of Active and Passive Reading Strategies

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