Effective methods of reading and understanding English
Reading - understanding English is the ability to read combined with the formation of the ability to explain, analyze, generalize, argue right and wrong in logic, that is, combined with the ability to think and express information and the meaning of what you are reading.
Reading and understanding English has two main elements: Text comprehension and vocabulary comprehension. Vocabulary comprehension is the ability to understand the language being used in the reading, while text comprehension is using this vocabulary and language to develop awareness as well as the message the reading conveys.
Reading and comprehension skills are an important skill and at the same time bring many benefits to learners. The ability to read and understand fluently not only brings significant benefits to your personal and work life, but also increases your interest in reading.
In addition, reading and comprehension skills also bring significant benefits such as:
* Ability to understand, analyze or respond to texts, messages or emails at school or work.
• Develop writing skills more clearly and effectively.
• Ability to read and understand information or events taking place globally through foreign newspapers or news.
• Create a feeling of excitement and motivation in reading.
Step 1: Prepare for reading
Preparation for the reading process plays a very important role in enhancing the effectiveness of the reading comprehension process. Make sure you are in a quiet place to read, and prepare yourself for reading by listening to songs and watching short videos related to the upcoming reading topic.
Step 2: Read through to grasp the structure and topic
• First, look at anything that can give you information about the reading: table of contents, introduction to the story, main headings, subheadings, etc.
• Next, apply a popular reading technique in English: Skimming (skimming to grasp the main content without decoding the meaning of each word).
Step 3: Ask questions and determine the information you need to find
• This is how we interact with text and thereby remember information longer. After knowing the content of the text, you should point out the information you want to know.
• If you are doing a reading assignment, read it first and remember the questions given in the exam, and add your own questions if you want.
Step 4: Skim and search for information
In this step, we read the text quickly, scanning for the information we need to find. To focus your attention more clearly, underline (preferably in a different color ink) important keywords. If you still cannot answer all the questions in step 3 because you do not understand the meaning of some words, just leave them. Let's basically imagine what happened in the story the author is telling.
Step 5: Read the text carefully and look up new words
This is the time to focus on every detail to perfectly understand every small idea of the text. Try to complete all the questions you have asked and pay attention to the author's writing style, word usage and style!
Step 6: Note down important vocabulary and grammar
Remember to only record what is absolutely necessary, and make sure you have time to review. Taking too many notes can easily cause dilution and "stupidity". Don't forget to practice the content you learn when speaking/writing to make it your own.
Step 7: Summarize the text
This step is often overlooked because most learners think understanding all the words of the text is perfect. However, the truth is that you only truly grasp the text and practice your English reading skills when you know how to paraphrase it.
Step 8: Read the text again
Rereading helps us find what we missed, or most likely to truly understand the author's meaning. If there are any new words in the text, you will see them again every time you read them, which is a way of reading English that will help you review and remember the words.