How to Tackle The 'Reading Comprehension

INTRODUCTION What s reading?

Reading is a process of sensory perception by intelligent observation and analysis. By reading we not only gather information but comprehend the content as well. The process of understanding by reading is often called "reading comprehension" which is a common section in objective type English tests and tests of English as a foreign language. Reading is one the most important dimensions of mastering English as a foreign language. Reading is quite different from listening. It is like visiting an art gallery rather than listening to a concert or a lecture. Here the reader is very much in control. Reading passages are of 250-300 words taken from published material. The passages are drawn from several areas, viz. Science Polity Humanities Other Prose Writings! THE PURPOSE OF THE TEST It is to test your ability To understand directly state information To understand implications and draw inferences To identify the authors' purpose/ to evaluate author's style/ to analyze the author's arguments To recognize the main idea or the central idea and to apply author's view point To test your vocabulary (for words given in the passage)

Understanding Reading Comprehension Passage

HOW ONE CAN READ A PASSAGE Reading vs. Eyes Read thoughtfully Read purposefully Read repeatedly

READING IS A JOURNEY FIVE simple steps of reading Glance through the passage quickly Read the passage fast keeping in mind the questions

Read the questions again for proper comprehension Re-read the passage at your best rate for comprehension Re-read those questions that are still unanswered.

GETTING INTO THE DETAILS Orienting yourself to the text Recognize the topic and main idea Summarize the main ideas Recognize key vocabulary Look at word formation

Make predictions regarding the text What is passage about? What is the main idea? Who are the characters? When are the things taking place? Where is it happening? Why is it important?

Skimming and Scanning for specific information Locating specific information Look for names

Understanding argument Recognize linking words/ thought Look for comparisons and contrasts Follow the line of argument Trace the development of thought Infer author's opinion

Analyze the questions Look for all WH-questions. Is the question about facts and figures? Is the question about the main idea? Is the question about author's opinion? Is the question about the meaning of a key word? Is the question about a quotation/citation? Is the question about a direct piece of information? Is the question about the implications of the passage?