Reading Comprehension Skills

Introduction

Reading is one part of the communication process between a writer and a reader. Some people communicate in the written format out of necessity, such as, reading signs, directions, notes, e-mail, bills, invoices, and letters. The main purpose of this type of reading is to get information. If a person can’t read well, they will miss out on many opportunities to get information and to communicate with other people.

People also read for enjoyment. Reading can be an enjoyable way to learn more about an interest. However, reading may also be used purely for entertainment, such as reading a novel. Whether people read out of necessity or for enjoyment, successful readers are able to understand and to remember what they read. They have learned how to read.

Like other communication skills, reading becomes easier, more productive, and more enjoyable with practice. Beginning readers often find reading slow. There are many reasons for this. Some reasons include: having a small vocabulary, reading aloud, and lacking knowledge about how to read. Experienced readers are able to understand the meaning of many words, to read silently most of the time, and to use several reading strategies efficiently.

If you asked experienced readers to tell you about the strategies and process they use, they might not be able to answer you. Good readers often use reading strategies without thinking about them. Reading skills can be grouped in to three categories. These categories include: pre-reading skills, reading skills, and post-reading skills. Each category has its own goals and strategies.