Simple Preparation
Can Improve Reading Comprehension

To improve reading comprehension it is important to build up information before you start, like creating a mental picture. This will help you put the information into context. It will not only help you to have a clearer understanding of the text, but it will also mean you retain more relevant information.

Reading Preparation:

Let's say for example you have to read a book for school, university or work. You can start to consider the material before you’ve even looked at the first page.

Simply start by asking yourself questions.

• What does the title of the book tell you about the topic?
• Is the title broad? For example: ‘A Study of the Universe and Time'.
• Or is it narrow and specific? For example: ‘The Anatomy of the human eye’.

Basically what guesses can you make about the book from its title?

Obviously you can also do this with any sub-titles. Again just ask yourself questions.

• What extra information does it tell you about the book?

These may seem like obvious questions that don’t need to be asked. However the process of asking yourself questions will really make you think about the book. By doing this you are processing the information and creating a foundation for reading comprehension.

Read the contents page:

Logically following on from what we have just talked about the next step is to take the time to read the contents page, and, yes you’ve guessed it, ask yourself questions.

• What are the main sections of the book about?
• How do they relate to the title of the book?
• What are the chapters about?
• What do you already know about what is going to be covered in the chapters?
• From the title of the chapters what do you think they will be about?

By doing this your brain will have a broad understanding of the book before you start. This means you will be building on the information you already have. Rather than jumping into the book cold and having to build up this general information as you go. This will, of course, greatly improve your reading comprehension.

Conclusion:

Reading comprehension depends on how well written information is taken in and processed. You can improve reading comprehension by investing a little thought and consideration before you start. The best way to get yourself thinking is to ask yourself questions. This gets your brain working.

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