Learn to Write

Reading and Comprehension

Depending on the type of information you are trying to read, the way in which you use reading comprehension skills may be a bit different. However, here are 10 tips to improve your overall skill level:

1. Strengthen your vocabulary. For example, use a dictionary to find a definition for terms or jargon that you have not seen before.
2. Read out loud whenever possible (whether to yourself or to someone else).
3. Take notes and answer questions about the material you are reading. A good place to start is with the 5Ws+H (Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How).
4. Identify the major structural elements of your source. For example, the main idea or plot, the characters involved, setting, supporting details, beginning/middle/end, conflict, overall tone, hypothesis or research question, and more.
5. Read the material several times to make sure you fully understand it. Focus on different elements each time.
6. Summarize what you have read or explain it to a friend without looking at the text.
7. Learn more about the topics discussed. Check out the Learn to Research guide for more information on doing background research.
8. Read slowly and break it up into manageable chunks. This could mean reading one paragraph, one page, or one section at a time. Take short breaks, so you do not get distracted.
9. Practice! Your reading comprehension is a skill and needs to be practiced over and over to see improvement.
10. Ask for help. Ask your instructor for clarification or drop-in with a tutor at Tutorial and Academic Coaching Services!