How do I need to read?

How you decide to read depends not only on your purpose, but also on the type of material. You would read a fictional novel quickly to get the main idea if you were simply reading for entertainment. However, reading a technical engineering report requires you to read slowly. You may need to read the report several times before you understand its contents.

How you decide to read depends on other factors as well. Some factors include: your vocabulary, your familiarity with the information, and your familiarity with the type and style of the material. If you are a less experienced reader, you may need to read slower because you will need to focus on each word. If you are a more experienced reader, you may only need to quickly skim the reading material. For example, if you have never read poetry, you may need to read more slowly and carefully than a more experienced reader of poetry. There is also a significant difference between past and recent writers. A poet during the 16th century may have written sonnets or ballads, while modem poets tend to use less rigid formats for their poetry.

Regardless of your purpose for reading, ability to read, or familiarity with the topic or style, the first step in the reading process involves previewing the reading material. Previewing means quickly reading the table of contents.., notes about the author, or similar material. This will get you focused on the reading process and it will help you answer the questions: Why am I reading? and How do I need to read? Once you have prepared physically and mentally to read, you are ready to begin the reading process.