Types of reading

The way you read should be chosen to suit the task.

Don't use the same type of reading all the time.

This is one way to increase your study efficiency.

What follow are notes on different types of reading.

Rapid survey

Check what you are reading - a rapid glance is all that's necessary.

Is it what you need? up to date? right for the task?

Are all the contents relevant - or only some?

Are they written at the right level for you?

Answer these questions quickly.

This is also known as previewing.

Sampling

Explore the contents in a little more detail.

Look at chapter headings, or the introduction.

Skim read a page or two in various chapters.

Keep asking yourself "Is this book suitable for me?"

If the answer is "No" - move on to something else.

Skim reading

Make a rapid survey of the subject.

This may be to gain an overview, or to make a judgement about the book.

Glance through the book quickly and pick up the main points.

Try to get a general picture of what it is about.

This is a very useful skill which becomes easier with regular practice.

Search reading

Look for a single piece of information.

[For instance, someone's telephone number.]

Go straight to the contents, the index, or locate the page.

Look up the item of information (and write it down).

Put the book back - and move on without browsing.

Selective reading

Focus your attention on part(s) of the book.

Only one part is important for what your need.

Read the section, take its essence, and leave the rest alone.

Don't be distracted into browsing over more than you need.

This requires discipline, but it's a very useful skill.

Detailed study reading

This is reading to understand the content.

It is the most common approach in any serious form of study.

You should concentrate whilst reading.

You need to understand what the writer means.

You might also be taking notes whilst reading.

The reading may be part of your coursework, research for a project, or preparation for an exam.

You might also need to read a book more than once to grasp the point.

The most thorough method is known as SQ3R.

Close reading

This is reading for artistic appreciation.

This approach is used in subjects such as literature and religious studies.

Every word may be studied in close detail.

The book is examined for any possible meaning it may contain.

The results of this approach are 'interpretations' of the book.

Rapid reading

This is reading to 'find out what happens next'.

For instance, when reading popular fiction.

You will rarely dwell on the book or study it closely.

This is reading for pleasure or entertainment.

You don't need to pay attention to every word.

Speed reading

Speed reading courses teach you ultra-rapid skim-reading techniques.

This may be useful for absorbing information at a superficial level.

It's not really suitable for understanding and retaining information.

It's unlikely to help if you are engaged in studying.

Keep in mind the Woody Allen joke:

"I went on a speed reading course last week - and it worked! Yesterday I read War and Peace in an hour ... It's about some Russians."

Once again

Choose your style of reading to suit the task in hand.

Don't think that all books should be read in the same way.

Keep in mind why you are reading. You'll get more done!