COMMUNICATION IN ENGLISH
READING SKILLS
GST 111
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
pinpoint the different styles of reading
show how to engage in active reading
specify how to pick out relevant information from a
text
recognise how to make out personal and relevant
notes from a written text
Introduction
The skills you use in reading can be useful in a whole range of
other contexts, whether academic or not
For academic study, it is vital that you read ACTIVELY and
CRITICALLY
Active and critical reading entails that you must constantly
interrogate, probe and cross-examine every detail you read
Active and critical reading also enable you to assess, weigh
and ponder on the pros and cons of what you have read
Why Reading Skills Matter
Enhance academic success and research abilities
Promote critical thinking and analytical reasoning
Improve vocabulary, style, and linguistic sophistication
Aid in effective note-taking and summarizing
Develop evaluative and interpretive skills for complex texts
Reading Skills
Basically, academic reading is all about interacting with the text
and bringing your own thoughts, opinions, knowledge and
experience to bear on what you read
Pre-reading strategies:
Examine the title of what you are about to read
List/jot down all the information that comes to mind about this
title
See if any items that you have noted down spark off any other
associations – if they do, make note of these as well.
Pre-Reading Strategies:
Think whether or not this piece of reading looks like it will relate
to something you have already read. If so, then see if it gives
you any clue(s) as to what the text will be about.
NB: The aim of the pre-reading exercise is to get yourself in an
active frame of mind to interrogate the text, and have all the
relevant bits of information that are already in your head close to
hand
Pre-reading exercise makes connections and patterns much easier
to spot
Types of Reading Skills
Skimming – Quick overview for main ideas
Scanning – Searching for specific details
Intensive Reading – Close study for accuracy and depth
Extensive Reading – Reading for pleasure/general understanding
Critical Reading – Evaluating arguments and perspectives
Analytical Reading – Breaking down ideas into components
Reflective Reading – Connecting text to personal/world contexts
Styles of Reading
Scanning: This is the type of reading skill you employ when
you are looking to test if a text is suitable for a specific focus
(i.e. in researching a subject area, or to help you answer a
particular essay question or assignment topic).
This is the technique that you would use if you were looking up
a name in a phone book, checking through the TV listings to
find the channel you want, or flicking through a newspaper to
see which stories interest you
Scanning entails you moving your eyes quickly over the page to
find particular key words and phrases that will let you know if
the text is relevant to your research
Areas to scan
Titles and chapter headings
The introduction or preface of the book
The introductory and concluding paragraphs of articles/reports
The first or last paragraphs of chapters
The concluding chapter of a book
Note: The introduction and concluding chapter will usually contain
the main arguments and topics dealt with in the rest of the text (if
you are dealing with an article, or internet text, then look at the
introductory and concluding paragraphs).
Remember, when you are scanning through a text, you are NOT
reading every word
Skimming
• It entails reading through something quickly in order to get or find
the main facts or ideas
• This technique is usually employed when you are reading through a
newspaper or magazine article.
• Unless you’re really interested in a story, you will usually just read
quickly to get the main points, and skip over the detail.
• When you skim through a text, you are not reading every word, but
just trying to get a feel of the text
It is useful to skim in order:
• to preview a passage, article or chapter before you read it in detail
• to review or refresh your understanding of a passage, article or
chapter after you have read it in detail
Useful Skimming Techniques
1. Reading the first and last paragraphs (in their entirety, as
opposed to scanning where you are just looking for key words)
This will help you to find out which topics/questions will be
addressed, and how the author answers those questions or
summarises.
2. Reading the first sentence of each paragraph
Most paragraphs will have the key idea in the first sentence
Detailed Reading
Detailed reading entails paying close attention to a text in
order to extract information from it, and interrogate it
fully. When you do this, you are reading every word, and
really looking to learn from the text.
When engaging in detailed reading, you can skim through
the text first, in order to familiarise yourself with it
Use a dictionary to look up any unfamiliar words and
keep a note of them.
Active Reading
When you’re reading for academic purposes, you need to make
sure that you are always actively involved with the text
It is a waste of your time to just passively read, the way you would
a novel on holiday, or the way you would a magazine article
Making notes is absolutely useful when engaging in active reading
Making notes is a good way to help you keep up your
understanding and concentration. It helps you really absorb and
learn new information
When taking notes or writing down quotations, it is vital that you
note where the idea or quotation has come from
Strategies for Reading
Annotate and highlight key points
Ask probing and evaluative questions
Summarize, paraphrase, and outline ideas
Compare multiple sources for deeper insight
Engage in group discussions and debates
Relate readings to global and real-world issues
Benefits of Advanced Reading Skills
Improved academic writing and expression
Sharper critical and analytical judgment
Better research outcomes
Enhanced cultural awareness
Lifelong learning and adaptability
Barriers to Effective Reading
Distractions and lack of focus
Limited vocabulary and background knowledge
Poor time management
Over-reliance on memorization
Lack of critical questioning
Speed Reading Strategies
Read in chunks instead of word-by-word
Reduce subvocalization
Use a pointer or guide for eye movement
Practice timed passages for fluency
Balance speed with comprehension
Words & Vocabulary
Reading is a great way of improving your vocabulary. When
you come across a word that you do not understand, try and
work out from context and your existing knowledge, what the
word means
If you feel fairly certain that you have got a good idea of what
an unfamiliar word or term means, make sure that you make a
note of it so that you can look it up later
Conclusion
Reading is not just understanding words, but engaging with
ideas
Advanced reading skills foster deeper learning and sharper
thinking
Balanced use of strategies leads to strong comprehension
Consistent practice strengthens academic and personal growth
End
Thank You!
