Chapter 2 - Language Skills: Reading

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Reading

  • Reading is one of the four primary language skills, alongside listening, speaking, and writing.

  • Involves:

    • Identifying or extracting meaning from written or printed material.

    • Being a multidimensional cognitive process of decoding symbols for the purpose of denoting meaning from written, printed, or visual text.

  • Importance:

    • Vital form of communication for obtaining information in everyday life.

    • Principal tool for achieving success in various aspects of life.

    • recognition of symbols in print and conversion to sounds.

    • Emphasizes understanding and comprehension, associating symbols with meaning rather than just sounds.

Types of Reading

  • Diverse types and methods of reading exist, each suitable for different kinds of material and purposes:

    1. Survey Reading

    • Involves a rapid glance at material to assess relevance.

    • Answers questions like:

      • Is the material appropriate?

      • Is it current?

      • Are relevant contents present?

    1. Skimming

    • Rapid survey designed to get a general idea of the text.

    • Helps in understanding the subject matter and determining relevance.

    • Techniques:

      • Glancing through main headings and sections, and reading summaries and conclusions.

      • Prepares the reader for more focused reading if the material is deemed useful.

    1. Scanning

    • Entails quickly looking for specific information like keywords or technical terms.

    • Reader moves swiftly across the text, stopping only upon locating the needed items.

    • Valuable for gathering information in longer texts like essays or theses.

    1. Light Reading

    • Comfortable pace allowing the reader to skim boring parts and delve into interesting sections.

    1. Proof Reading

    • Focus on detecting and correcting typographical errors rather than comprehension.

    • Emphasis on language accuracy; professional proof-readers develop skills for high-speed proofreading.

    1. Close or Intensive Reading

    • Reading for appreciation in subjects like literature.

    • Involves detailed examination of every word to derive possible meanings.

    • Results in deep understanding of the content.

    1. Extensive Reading

    • Involves thorough examination of multiple sources (books, magazines, reports).

    • Common approach for serious study, requiring:

      • Normal speed reading and comprehension of lexicon.

      • Ability to read whole phrases while using correct intonation when reading aloud.

      • Consultation of dictionaries for unfamiliar vocabulary.

      • Silent reading without lip movement.

      • Identifying topic sentences and summarizing key points.

      • Recognition of graphic signals including punctuation and capitalization.

Reading Problems and Solutions

  1. Head Movement

    • Poor readers may unconsciously move their head side to side.

    • This is unnecessary and slows reading speed.

    • Solution: Avoid head movements, possibly by stabilizing the head with hands.

  2. Vocalization

    • Pronouncing words aloud can hinder reading speed.

    • Common indicators include lip, tongue, and throat movement.

    • Causes slower reading speeds aligned with speaking speeds.

    • Solutions:

      • Awareness of lip movements and stopping vocalization.

      • Focus on concepts and key words.

      • Progressively read faster to reduce vocalization.

      • Regular practice sessions (20-30 mins, 2-3 times per week).

  3. Pointing at Words

    • Using fingers to point slows down reading speed.

    • Prevents assimilation of phrases and ideas.

    • Solution: Practice reading without physical pointers, starting with bold materials.

  4. Regression

    • Glancing back to re-read causes significant slow down.

    • Signs of insufficient vocabulary, focus, or confidence.

    • Recommendations:

      • Move forward without regression unless required for review.

      • Use tools like cardboard to maintain forward movement.

  5. Effectiveness of Reading Training

    • Programs like Rocket Reader use methods like Flash Training, displaying words quickly to enhance sight reading.

    • Flashes words for a short duration (often zero to fifty seconds).

    • Engages the reader in typing the displayed words, reinforcing quick recognition without reliance on memory.