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Unit 4 - Reading Skills
(Lecture Notes)
Topic - 1: Introduction
Reading maketh a full man, conference a ready man, and writing an
exact man —— Francis Bacon, the famous essayist, has rightly observed in
his well-known essay 'Of Studies’. This quote suggests that reading makes a
person more knowledgeable, discussions make them more prepared and
articulate, and writing makes them more precise and accurate in their thoughts
and communication. In essence, it highlights the value of these three activities
in intellectual and personal development.
~ “Reading is a process of constructing meaning from written texts. It is a
complex skill requiring the coordination of interrelated sources of
information” (Stanley, 2007)
~ Reading comprehension is understanding a written text. Understanding a
written text means extracting the required information from it as efficiently
as possible. Francoise Grellet (1991:13)
- Reading is the process of extracting and constructing meaning through
interaction and involvement with written language.
- By reading effectively you will learn to question and survey the text you
are reading to gain a better understanding of your subject.
- Reading for academic study can be different from reading for leisure.
- For example: When reading a novel you would read the book from
cover to cover but academic reading can be more of a selective
process. You will often only read the chapters or pages that are relevant
to the subject you are researching.
- Reading is probably the most crucial skill. It is so because a good
reader can rise above the disadvantage of limited opportunity received
in terms of listening, speaking, and writing a language.
- It is observed that only good readers are good communicators. It is a
skill that cannot be ignored. It is advisable to acquire efficient reading
skills as early as possible.
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Topic - 2: Need for Developing Efficient Reading Skills
As a reader, we definitely know how to read. But the question is whether we
know how to read skillfully and artfully.
# Skillful Reading
- Skillful reading is for specific information.
- Skilfull reading can be learnt through a systematic approach and formal
training.
- It often involves strategies such as speed reading, critical thinking, and
the ability to discern key points and main ideas.
- Skilful readers may be adept at summarising, synthesising, and
evaluating information. The goal of skilful reading is to gain a deep
understanding of the content and use it for specific purposes, like
research or studying.
- Example; When we read a Novel, a Newspaper or a Textbook there is
different intention behind it so it affects the way we read it.
# Artful Reading
- Artful reading goes beyond basic comprehension. It involves a more
immersive and interpretive approach to literature or text.
- Artful readers pay attention to the nuances of language, symbolism,
themes, and the author's style.
- They may analyse the text for its artistic or aesthetic qualities and delve
into deeper layers of meaning.
- It involves paying attention to the nuances of language, the author's
style, symbolism, and thematic depth.
- The goal of artful reading is not only to understand the text but also to
experience it on a more profound level, akin to appreciating a work of
art.
- Artful reading aims to engage with the artistic and emotional aspects of
a text.
In general, efficient reading enables individuals to absorb information
more quickly, allowing them to increase their productivity and
accomplish more in less time.
Topic - 2: Benefits of Effective Reading
Unit 4 - Reading Skills
(Lecture Notes)
Topic - 1: Introduction
Reading maketh a full man, conference a ready man, and writing an
exact man —— Francis Bacon, the famous essayist, has rightly observed in
his well-known essay 'Of Studies’. This quote suggests that reading makes a
person more knowledgeable, discussions make them more prepared and
articulate, and writing makes them more precise and accurate in their thoughts
and communication. In essence, it highlights the value of these three activities
in intellectual and personal development.
~ “Reading is a process of constructing meaning from written texts. It is a
complex skill requiring the coordination of interrelated sources of
information” (Stanley, 2007)
~ Reading comprehension is understanding a written text. Understanding a
written text means extracting the required information from it as efficiently
as possible. Francoise Grellet (1991:13)
- Reading is the process of extracting and constructing meaning through
interaction and involvement with written language.
- By reading effectively you will learn to question and survey the text you
are reading to gain a better understanding of your subject.
- Reading for academic study can be different from reading for leisure.
- For example: When reading a novel you would read the book from
cover to cover but academic reading can be more of a selective
process. You will often only read the chapters or pages that are relevant
to the subject you are researching.
- Reading is probably the most crucial skill. It is so because a good
reader can rise above the disadvantage of limited opportunity received
in terms of listening, speaking, and writing a language.
- It is observed that only good readers are good communicators. It is a
skill that cannot be ignored. It is advisable to acquire efficient reading
skills as early as possible.
, 2
Topic - 2: Need for Developing Efficient Reading Skills
As a reader, we definitely know how to read. But the question is whether we
know how to read skillfully and artfully.
# Skillful Reading
- Skillful reading is for specific information.
- Skilfull reading can be learnt through a systematic approach and formal
training.
- It often involves strategies such as speed reading, critical thinking, and
the ability to discern key points and main ideas.
- Skilful readers may be adept at summarising, synthesising, and
evaluating information. The goal of skilful reading is to gain a deep
understanding of the content and use it for specific purposes, like
research or studying.
- Example; When we read a Novel, a Newspaper or a Textbook there is
different intention behind it so it affects the way we read it.
# Artful Reading
- Artful reading goes beyond basic comprehension. It involves a more
immersive and interpretive approach to literature or text.
- Artful readers pay attention to the nuances of language, symbolism,
themes, and the author's style.
- They may analyse the text for its artistic or aesthetic qualities and delve
into deeper layers of meaning.
- It involves paying attention to the nuances of language, the author's
style, symbolism, and thematic depth.
- The goal of artful reading is not only to understand the text but also to
experience it on a more profound level, akin to appreciating a work of
art.
- Artful reading aims to engage with the artistic and emotional aspects of
a text.
In general, efficient reading enables individuals to absorb information
more quickly, allowing them to increase their productivity and
accomplish more in less time.
Topic - 2: Benefits of Effective Reading
