How reading works

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Reading groups of words We read more than one word at a time. We usually look at groups of words. We do this about 4 times per second. Fast readers look at larger groups of words. Making predictions As we read groups of words, we have an idea about the meaning. If a text makes sense to us, we can understand it, so we keep on reading. When we think we are wrong, we go back and check. Slow readers go back frequently to check. Fast readers are more confident. They don"t go back as often. Information about the text We read more quickly when we know something about the text or the subject. If we have more information about a text, we need less information on the page. Information we have: · knowledge of the subject · knowledge of the language · understanding of the context · questions about the text So reading depends on two things: the visual information on the page -that is, the text-and the information you have. Memory While we are reading, we can keep in our mind around 6 items. Each item can be a word or a group of words, so when we read faster we have more context. You can actually understand better when you read faster. Tip Try some of these reading strategies. Strategy 1 Practice reading groups of words. Strategy 2 Read more. Don"t worry too much about comprehension. Strategy 3 Use your dictionary if you need to, but not always when reading. Strategy 4 Ask yourself questions about the text and read to answer your questions.