Even though we are constantly exposed to more visual media, reading is still vital. Although not to the same extent as in previous years, people still read textbooks for school, online newspapers, and fiction/nonfiction books. One reason that many people do not read much is that they cannot read well. It’s a laborious, time-consuming process for them, and they don’t remember as much as they should.
There are many reasons why reading is crucial. It helps improve your vocabulary and grammar, expands your knowledge, improves your memory and concentration, and develops your critical thinking skills. You can find several articles that will help you better understand the text on storyboardthat.com and use this knowledge when you’ll read your next book. In addition, reading can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure and improve sleep quality.
1. Read with a purpose
Whether you’re reading for school, work, or pleasure, knowing why you’re reading will help you focus and pay attention. When you have a specific goal in mind, it’s easier to keep track of the information you need to remember.
It should be easy to identify the purpose of what you’re reading if you choose the material yourself. It may be more difficult. However, if you’re assigned reading material. In this case, try to find a way to connect the material to your personal interests. For example, if you’re reading a textbook for class, think about how the material will be useful to you in the future.
2. Preview the material
Skim through the chapter or article to get an idea of what it’s about. This will help you focus while you’re reading and make it easier to remember the main points. And don’t forget to take breaks! Get up and walk around or grab a snack to keep your energy levels up.
When you skim texts, it is essential to focus on the headings, pictures, graphs, tables, and key paragraphs. These are typically located at the beginning and end of a text. By doing this, you can usually get a pretty good idea of what the material is about without even reading every word.
3. Identify key concepts
As you’re previewing the material, make a list of key concepts, ideas, or people that you’ll need to remember. These may be things that are new to you or things that are important to the author’s argument. Highlighting key concepts as you read can also be helpful.
4. Read actively
When you’re reading, don’t just passively absorb the information. Be an active reader by asking questions, taking notes, and participating in class discussions. This will help you engage with the material and make it more likely that you’ll remember it. You can also try different methods to help you better absorb the information. For example, some people find that reading out loud helps them remember what they’ve read. Others prefer to highlight key points or take notes in the margins. Find what works best for you and stick with it.
Another way to improve your active reading skills is to practice speed reading. This can help you get through information more quickly and still understand it. To speed read, start by scanning the text to get an overview of what it’s about. Then, read through the material at a faster pace, keeping your eyes moving and avoiding rereading sections. It may take some practice to get used to speed reading, but it can be a helpful skill to have.
5. Summarize what you’ve read
After you finish reading, take a few minutes to summarize the main points in your own words. This will help you recall the information and remember it for a longer period. You can also try different methods of summarizing, such as drawing a diagram or creating a mind map.
6. Review the material
After you’ve had some time to process what you’ve read, review the material again. This can be done by rereading the text, taking notes, or discussing the concepts with a friend. Reviewing the material soon after you’ve read it will help solidify the information in your memory and make it more likely that you’ll remember it in the future.
Final Words
Reading is a great way to improve your memory skills. By previewing the material, identifying key concepts, and actively reading, you can better engage with the text and make it more likely that you’ll remember what you’ve read. And don’t forget to review the material afterward to help solidify the information in your memory. With a little practice, you’ll be able to improve your reading comprehension and recall skills in no time. Thanks for reading!
Markus lives in San Francisco, California and is the video game and audio expert on Good e-Reader! He has a huge interest in new e-readers and tablets, and gaming.
