ppt on reading skills by harshid panchal

Reading Skills

Introduction Reading skill is the ability to understand information presented in a

written form.

Effective reading skills are always essential in our academic as well

as professional career. They are more necessary these days among

the phenomenal advanced technology globalization , increasing cultural diversity , and adoption of team-based structures in work

places.

Time spent by professionals on communication activities on

receiving information(listening and reading).Reading is as important

as other communications skills. But most of us ignore importance of

acquiring this communication skill involved in a receiving a broad

spectrum of the messages .

speaking

30%

reading

16%

listening

45%

writing

9%

the time spent by professional on communication activity

speaking

reading

listening

writing

Purpose of reading

The purpose of reading is to connect the ideas on the page to what

you already know.

If you don’t know anything about the subject then pouring word of the

text into your mind is like pouring into your hand. You do not retain

much.

For example:

Try reading these numbers

4236157 this is a hard to read and remember

423-6157 this is a easier because chunking.

Similarly if you like sports , then reading the sport page is easy. you

have framework in your mind for reading, understanding and storing

information. During reading you need to be alert and grasp the

message quickly.

Reading without purpose is sauntering not exercise.

(Edward Bulwer-Lytton)

Reading rates

≈100 wpm A very basic reading ability. Low level of reading experience coupled with a low experience

and understanding. going back to words already read , saying the word to oneself. Reading is

the hard-work at this speed.

100-200 wpm Readers between 6 to 12 years of age. Characterized by high level of regression and

concentration problem.

200-250 wpm An average reading speed in the vast majority of world readers are positioned for most of

there lives. Generally understanding more than half of what is read.

250-350 wpm This reading speed characteristic of post high school graduate or a enthusiastic readers with

reading experience.

350-500 wpm Where above average and approaching good comprehension and understanding.

Enjoyment of a reading as pleasurable activity.

500-800 wpm A useful reading speed that promotes excellence comprehension(75% and above)

800-1000 wpm Extremely efficient reading speed. Word recognition is excellent. Possibly a top class scholar or

higher achieving business person.

1000 wpm + Natural speed reader and who maintain skills by regular practicing and drilling.

This is a characterized by optimum comprehension and control over all reading requirements.

Reading is a substantial part of your life.

Reason for a poor Reading

Inability to understand a word

Inability to understand a sentence.

Inability to understand how sentence relate to one another.

Inability to understand how the information put together in a

meaningful way.

Lack of interest or concentration.

Improving Reading skill

Read a variety of materials. Do not limit yourself to a text-book.

Read a fairly long portion of material. Try to read an entire section or

chapter instead.

Circle unknown familiar words as you read.

After reading, recall as much as information possible.

Considered how interesting the subject matter is and how much you

already know about the subject.

Answer questions about the material after reading it.

Techniques For Good Reading

1. Skimming

Skimming is used to quickly gather the most important

information. It’s not essential to understand each

word when you are skimming.

Run your eyes over the text, noting important information.

Use skimming to quickly get up to speed on a current business

situation.

How to Skim?

Working quickly…

1. Read the title if there is one.

2. Read the introduction or the first paragraph if there is one.

3. Read the first sentence of every other paragraph.

4. Notice any pictures, charts, or graphs.

5. Notice any italicized or boldface words or phrases.

6. Read the summary or last paragraph if there is one.

7. Read for which audience the text was written.

8. Read a what type of text it is.

9. Read what the purpose of author is and the general content of the text.

Examples of Skimming:

The Newspaper – to quickly get the general news of the day

Magazines – to quickly discover which articles you would like to read in more detail

Business and Travel Brochures – to quickly get informed

Scanning

Scanning is a reading technique to be used when you want

to find specific information quickly.

How to Scan

1. State the specific information you are looking for.

2. Try to anticipate how the answer will appear and what clues you might use to help you locate the answer. For example, if you were looking for a certain date, you would quickly read the paragraph looking only for numbers.

3. Use headings and any other aids that will help you identify which sections might contain the information you are looking for.

4. Selectively read and skip through sections of the passage.

Examples of Scanning:

A google search list on the internet.

A bus / airplane schedule

A conference guide

Scanning practice:

Here is some information you are looking for on the BC Hydro website.

Read the questions and then on the next slide , find the answers, as quickly as possible:

1. Who is handling inquiries?

2. What is the after hours media line?

3. What is a good example of BC Hydro Clean Energy Project?

Scanning answersRemember it’s important to quickly find the information you need. You don’t need to understand every word, or read

every word. Your eyes should quickly scan the document for the information you seek.

The other techniques u should develop and practise your reading skills .

Non verbal signals

Structure of the text

Structure of the paragraph

Punctuation

Author’s view point

Reader anticipation: determining the meaning of the words

summarization

Conclusion

These slides will give you to increase awareness of the various

aspect of reading comprehension and guidelines to help you

improve your skills in this area of communication.

Skimming and scanning is used when reading all types of documents.

Thanks. . . ..

References:

• Technical communication(oxford)