Abstract

© Dr M D Magee
Contents Updated: Wednesday, 03 December 2003

A. Reading Problems

1. Too slow
2. Can’t concentrate
3. Don’t remember.

B. Better Reading

1. Need for active reading: use POPQR³.
2. Look for main ideas—key sentence in each paragraph:
   • first sentence
   • last sentence
   • sometimes none, eg novels, general description.
3. Look for important details:
   • clarification, examples, evidence, proofs
   • at least one to each main idea
   • study all the illustrations, graphs, diagrams, etc.
     • ideas/evidence not mentioned in text
     • teach better than words—replace words
     • aid understanding
     • visual—help memory.
4. Guidance to main ideas/details:
   • visual signposts
     • italics, bold type, underlines
     • numbering and lettering.
   • verbal signposts
     • link words/phrases eg for instance, however.
5. Evaluate text:
   • Be skeptical:
     • are facts correct?
     • are facts and opinions distingushed?
     • any limitations?
     • any exceptions?
     • any contradictions?
     • any counter arguments?
     • does conclusion follow from evidence?
     • any equally valid conclusions?
     • do you agree with the argument?
   • Is it useful?
     • can you apply it?
     • does it tie in with experience?
     • any useful analogies?
6. don’t ignore difficulties even if you skip them at first reading:
   • Why not?
     • undermines confidence
     • hinders further learning
   • Work on it:
     • read again
     • refer to other books
     • discuss with colleagues
     • make a note to ask tutor.

C. Faster Reading

1. Faster reading improves comprehension.
2. Five basic steps:
   • do you need specs?
   • stop saying words mentally
   • force yourself to read faster
     • broaden recognition span
     • reduce fixations
     • don’t look back
     • read twice at speed not once slowly.
   • read in thought-units—related words
   • improve vocabulary
     • read widely
     • look up new words
     • note their meaning
     • use them as soon as possible
     • make a glossary of technical words.
3. Practice
   • 15-20 minutes each night
   • start on light, short, magazine articles
   • time yourself—find words per minute
   • check, comprehension—recall main ideas
   • keep progress chart
   • read all study material faster—but vary pace:
     • faster for light material
     • faster in seeking main ideas
     • slower for complex arguments
     • slower in seeking details.

Reference

• D Rowntree, How to Study, chapter 5

Skeptical Resources—Internet infidels | Jesus Never Existed | Steven Carr’s Website | Christianism | Early Christian Writings | God is Imaginary | “Religion Detoxification” | Our Judaio-Christian Heritage | Archaeoastronomy | No Deity | No Beliefs | Evil Bible | Bible God | ex-Christians | Jesus Police | Islamic Faith Freedom | Atheist Experience | American Atheists | Jovial Atheist | Askwhy! books
Other Resources—Early Christian Docs | Resources for Study | Traditional Bible-History | Traditional Bible World History | Traditional Bible History | about.com biblical history | Apologetics web sites | Advent Ch Fathers | Orion center links | Wikipedia | Traditional Jewish History