What are some ways to improve critical reading and reading comprehension skills?

Answer 1

To whom this may concern,

The best way to improve reading comprehension is to utilize a strategy for better understanding. There are a number of acronyms that stand for an accurate process, but I'll use the SQ3R acronym to highlight/emphasize my answer.

Textbooks and the material of a course in the texts are designed to "skim" and survey. By this, I mean to look for bold-faced type words in blue or black in the reading. Sometimes these are even defined in the margins of the page. You should know that any course material has specialized terms. Survey the pages quickly taking note of this vocabulary.

Secondly, form Questions in your mind or written on a piece of paper that you, as a student, think will be addressed by the material. Next, comes the actual Reading word-for-word, but do it actively. By this, I mean write short notes, highlight, underline, circle as you read-in the margins or if you don't want to write in the book, on a separate piece of paper. When you're done, Recite from your notes aloud-audibly is better. There is research to back this reinforcement, but I won't go into that brain research now. Lastly, Review and pay attention to whether your initial questions were answered. All this strategic, systematic approach will benefit your.comprehension, especially if followed continually/habitually.

Critical reading is a whole other subject. I will not take the time to address that now, but if you contact me, I will give you pointers on how to critique anything wisely.

Kind regards,

Don M.