Reading Comprehension Skills

Introduction

Reading is a skill. People read books, poems, reports, newspapers, and more. They read for fun, and they read to learn. Experienced readers know how to read, and they know how to use many words. Read regularly and you will find that reading can be fun and productive.

Reading to Understand

You will understand more and remember more if you prepare. Physically, you can get ready by:

• sitting at a desk or table
• sitting straight
• finding a well-lit area
• reducing distractions
• getting paper and a pen

Mentally, you can get ready by:

• starting with a positive attitude
• knowing why you are reading
• knowing how you need to read

What is my purpose for reading?

The main reason people read is to learn new information. Readers want to learn:

• new facts
• about other people’s experiences
• about another person’s thoughts or feelings
• new words

You may have more than one purpose for reading. Your purpose for reading will influence “how you decide to read”.