Reading Comprehension Skills

Introduction

Reading is a necessity in today’s world. Everyone needs to be able to read signs, bills, and letters. Depending on your choice of employment, you may need to attend school to learn new job related skills. Even when you start a new job, the learning process doesn’t stop. You may need to read directions, blue prints, policy manuals, letters, or reports. Many people choose to read outside of work.

Reading involves many skills. All of these skills can be learned and improved. It takes time, practice, and the right attitude. The right attitude means wanting to read, reading regularly, and learning to use the strategies and tools that make reading easier.

Reading to Understand

Readers have two goals. They are to understand and to remember what they read. You can improve your understanding and remembering by preparing physically and mentally.

Preparing physically means: sitting at a desk or table, sitting straight, finding a well-lit area, reading where physical distractions are minimal, and getting paper and a pen. Preparing mentally means beginning with a positive attitude and answering two questions: you should decide why you are reading — your purpose. You should also decide whether you need to read slowly or carefully — how you read.

What is my purpose for reading?

If you are a manager for a busy company, you may need to read many reports explaining what employees are working on. You may only need to “skim” the reports to get the general idea. On the other hand, if you are a doctor preparing to perform a new surgery, you will need to read carefully and slowly, so you do not miss any important details.