Active Reading

Mos of us have to read a certain amount of material for one reason or other : perhaps we are taking a course, perhaps we need to read something for work, perhaps we are giving a talk on an outside interest to a group or club. All to often we approach such an assignment with the idea of reading a certain number of pages, or starting at the beginning and reading page by page until we  have completed the reading. while this approach does get the reading over with, it does not encourage you think about what you are reading to participate actively.
People who enjoy reading have learned to look for clues or key ideas as they read. They often do this without realizing it., but it is part of what makes reading fun. If you have never tried this technique  you might want to see how it works. In some way it's like taking a hope were you going in the right direction ; you would probably check a road map carefully to see the direction you want to go, the types of roads, the location of towns or others special points. it's the same with reading. If you have some idea of what is included in the material and how it is presented, you will get more out of  your reading and enjoy it more. You can do this by looking over the reading briefly i a methodical way to see the main points of the chapter or article.
First, read the opening paragraph or two. This introductory material will acquaint you with the main thought that the author will discuss. Then read the first sentences of the next few paragraphs. These sentence will probably give you a general idea of the content. Then read the final paragraph or two,which will give you a summary of the material covered. You should note anything the author has used to add emphasis :headings, bold-face-type, italics, graphs, picture and questions at the end of the chapter. This preview of your reading should be  done very quickly.
Second, re read the whole assignment more thoroughly. The speed and emphasis of this second reading will depend upon the information and direction you gained from your preview of material/. For example, you will often be able to judge the importance of a  paragraph by its first, or topic, sentence. If it seems important, read it carefully. If on the basis of your first reading, the paragraph does not seem so important, it is probably sufficient to skim it, but do not skip entirely.
You will need o adapt your approach to fit the writing style of the face author. In some books various sections have topics set in bold face type or set out in the margins. Use these as guides to the content. Questions at the end of the chapter  can give  you an idea of what is contained in that chapter.
As you read, try to relate this assignment to what you already know about the topic. Is it new material? Does it differ from your earlier thinking on the subject  ? Ask yourself these simple questions as you move along :why?what? who? when? where? how? This approach can help you to concentrate on the assignment, because as you ask questions you are taking an active role as a reader.
With such a systematic approach you will be able to direct your attention and concentration toward understanding the material more completely. The better you initial understanding of your reading the easier it will be to retain and integrate the information. You will not be wasting your time, you will making more efficient use of the time you have. You may also find that reading has become more fun than work!.