PAPERmaking! g! FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF PAPER TECHNOLOGY ® Volume 9, Number 2, 2023
When you need to understand only the basic arguments or conclusions being presented, though, using a speed reading technique can work. This may especially be the case if you intend to go back and re-read something more slowly when you're less busy. In fact, one study has suggested that skimming a text can improve your comprehension the second time around. [2] Generally speaking, if you want to memorize something, you'll need to read slowly, at less than 100 wpm. A normal rate for learning is 100-200 wpm, and for comprehension it is 200-400 wpm. Speed reading is normally done at a rate of around 400-700 wpm. Anything above 500-600 wpm means sacrificing comprehension, although this varies from person to person. How to Improve Your Speed Reading Knowing the "how" and "when" of speed reading is only the first step to success. Here are some more tips to help you: x Avoid distractions. Create an environment where there are as few interruptions and distractions as possible, to allow you to focus fully on the words in front of you. x Go easy. Read an uncomplicated novel or a simple online article to get a feel for which technique is going to work best for you. Gauge how much you've remembered or understood, and set a timer to see how much faster you are now reading. x Cover words that you've already read. This helps you to stop your eyes from flitting back to earlier words and slowing down your reading. x Know what you want from the text. This can be useful if you are using the skimming method, as it primes you to pay attention when you see relevant words, sentences or phrases. You can then slow down at these points, or circle them for emphasis, but otherwise move across the page quickly. x Benchmark your progress. This way you can tell whether your practice is paying off. There are many free speed reading assessments online, such as at ReadingSoft.com x Practice, practice, practice. You have to practice speed reading to get good at it. The more you train yourself, the more natural it will feel. Key Points There are different techniques that you can use to improve your reading speed. All of them involve skimming a page rather than "sub-vocalizing" each word as you were likely taught at school. Excellent speed reading involves practice and retraining yourself, as well as learning to focus more on what is in front of you and avoiding distractions. But it is important to strike the right balance between speed and comprehension: sometimes speed reading is not appropriate or helpful. References [1] Just, M.A. and Carpenter, P. (1987). The Psychology of Reading and Language Comprehension . Boston: Allyn and Bacon, Inc. [2] McClusky, H. (1934). 'An Experiment on the Influence of Preliminary Skimming on Reading,' Journal of Educational Psychology , 25(7), 521 – 529 [online].
Article 10 – Speed Reading
Page 3 of 3
Made with FlippingBook Digital Publishing Software