We all read books.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Did you know there are different ways to read a book! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Did you know there is a difference between reading for understanding and reading for information? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reading a book is more than turning pages \u2014 it\u2019s about understanding, analysing, and truly connecting with the ideas inside. Whether you’re a beginner or an avid reader, knowing how to read a book the right way can transform your entire learning experience. In this guide, you\u2019ll discover practical tips to help you read with greater focus and clarity, from quick skimming to deep analytical reading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reading for information<\/strong> is like knowing the existence of the word doodle. Reading for understanding would be to understand the meaning of the word doodling as well as understand how doodles are used around the world as a form of expression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mortimer Adler wrote a book on reading. He wrote about how reading a Danielle Steel novel is not the same as reading Plato. He wrote that unless you master a level, you can’t move to the next. <\/p>\n\n\n\n More importantly, he said that choosing the level of reading before you start reading a book can change your book experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are the four levels of reading he identified, essential for understanding how to read a book with better comprehension and purpose.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This is what we learned at school. When you are trying to learn a language, this is how you begin understanding it. You start understanding word-by-word and then trying to piece together the meaning of the sentence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When do you use it?<\/em> When you\u2019re learning a language or when you\u2019re just beginning to read.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You use the inspectional style when you want information in a hurry or when you\u2019re reading to pass time. You could either be systematically skimming or reading superficially.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The systematic skim<\/strong> – This is what you do when you see a long article. To check if it is appealing, you scroll through the article and read the subhead. If they appeal to you, then you read the first 50 words of the introduction. You\u2019ll move on to each subheading and read through to the end of the article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When do you use it?<\/em> When you don\u2019t have the time to read it completely or when you the need the information in a hurry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The superficial reading<\/strong> – You just read. You don\u2019t stop anywhere, you don\u2019t process any information, you just go from word-to-word, page-to-page, without stopping anywhere. It\u2019s about going forward and not about understanding. You don\u2019t think about the author\u2019s perspective or highlight any sentence. You just keep going.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When do you use it?<\/strong> When you\u2019re reading for entertainment, relaxation, and information. For instance, you read the newspaper and simply absorb someone\u2019s opinion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is when you read completely and is the best kind of reading. You need to have a lot of time and energy to read at this level. You read this way when you want to understand what you read in totality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You question how the author has thought about and debate within about what is presented. Upon completion, you\u2019ll understand the book as well as the author\u2019s perspective of the subject. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For instance, reading a book on capitalism, will give you an insight into only Milton Friedman\u2019s perspective on the topic. To be unbiased and get a broader understanding, you\u2019ll have to do comparative reading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019ve finished reading Milton Friedman\u2019s ‘Capitalism and Freedom’ and go on to read more books on capitalism like \u2018The World Is Flat\u2019 by Thomas Friedman or \u2018India Unbound\u2019 by Gurucharan Das, you are practising comparative reading. In this style of reading, you compare each authors\u2019 style, presentation of ideas and arguments and, choice of vocabulary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Comparative reading is demanding and complex. You\u2019ll have to understand the terms used in the book, find answers to your questions on the topic, most important, form an opinion based on your reading.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLevel 1: BASIC – \u201cWhat does the sentence say?\u201d<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Level 2: INSPECTIONAL – \u201cWhat is the book\/article about?\u201d<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Level 3: ANALYTICAL \u2013 Understand the article in-depth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
LEVEL 4: COMPARATIVE READING \u2013 Compare and contrast ideas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n