P a g e | 51 • Use a systematic reading technique like SQR3. • Monitor effectiveness. Components of reading • Phonemic Awareness • Phonics • Fluency • Vocabulary • Comprehension Reading speed: It is the speed at which one can read words. It is calculated at the rate of words per minute. Reading speed is calculated by using the following simple formula: • Word a Minute (W.A.M.) = Total number of words read × 60/Number of seconds actually taken to read such material. Types of reading • Scanning It is the fastest kind of reading where the reading speed may reach up to 3,000 words per minute. Scanning the material is being done for a finite and highly specific purpose. In this, the purpose of reading is basically to search for particular information. A person proficient in scanning will see little or nothing other than the information, which he (or she) is seeking • Skimming In this kind of reading, the eyes of the reader go through all the material but usually by skipping the details. When this kind of reading is practiced by a reader, he can read the material at rates as high as 1,500 words per minute. It is done to grasp main ideas and to review previously read material. Usually, executives skim newspapers, journals and magazines due to busy schedules and shortage of time.
P a g e | 52 • Extensive reading • Intensive reading • Careful reading It is the slowest kind of reading. In this kind of reading, the speed varies between 50 to 350 words per minute. This reading is popularly used for analysis, problem solving, proofreading and accuracy checking. The material read is retained in the memory for a longer period. • Rapid reading It is simple kind of reading where the speed will range from 300 to 600 words per minute. When the conceptual burden of the material read on the reader is light or when the retention of material for a longer period is not required, rapid reading process is followed. How to read effectively When studying, especially at higher levels, a great deal of time is spent reading. Reading for learning requires a conscious effort to make links, understand opinions, research and apply what you learn to your studies. Learning to read as a child usually results in the ability to read simple material relatively easily. Academic reading, therefore, means understanding the author’s interpretation of reality, which may be very different from our own.
P a g e | 53 The Goal of Reading • We read to gain factual information for practical use, for example, a train timetable or a cinema listing. • Many of us read newspapers and magazines, either in print or online, to inform us about current events. • When reading academic material such as textbooks, journals and so on, you should be always reading to interpret and analyse. • Learning, therefore, comes about not from reading and remembering details, but from developing your understanding of the meaning of the details. Necessary Reading Materials • Course Materials • Core Texts • Suggested Reading • Other Sources Attitudes to Reading • This can be off-putting and disheartening, but persevere; specialist subject areas will contain their own specialist ‘language’ which you will need to learn. • More generally, academic writing tends to use a very cautious style or language. • Fundamentally it is important to remain detached from, and be objective towards, what you are reading, in order to see and understand the logic within an argument. • It helps if you have a genuine interest in the subject that you are reading about.
P a g e | 54 Reading Model – PSQ5R Model • Purpose • Styles of Reading • Survey-Skim • Read Selectively • Recite • Reduce-Record • Reflect • Review Techniques for Improving Retention • Focus Your Attention • Set aside a short period of time to be alone. • Avoid cramming • Structure and Organize • Utilize Mnemonic Devices • Elaborate and Rehearse • Visualize Concepts • Relate New Information to Things You Already Know • Focus Your Attention • Set aside a short period of time to be alone. • Avoid cramming • Structure and Organize • Utilize Mnemonic Devices • Elaborate and Rehearse
P a g e | 55 • Visualize Concepts • Relate New Information to Things You Already Know Reading Efficiency: It combines reading speed and reading comprehension. Jacobs suggested the following formula to calculate reading efficiency score (Res): Res = Reading speed × Comprehension Example: If the reader with the reading speed of 80 words per minute understands and comprehends 80% of the material read, reading efficiency score will be 64. For another reader, having the reading speed of 480 words per minute, if the comprehension rate is 60 percent, the reading efficiency score will be 288. Retention: It refers to the ability to recall the read material after a lapse of time. It can also be termed as memory power. It is one of the essential skills, which needs to be improved by a reader. Some people are good readers but their retention power is poor, that is, they are unable to learn and recall the read material. Factors Affecting Reading Skills: Educational background: Physical capability: Mental capability: Interest: Practice:
P a g e | 56 Unit 15: Business Report Writing A report is a presentation and summation of facts, figures and information either collected or derived. It is a logical and coherent structuring of information, ideas and concepts. Reports are used in general, by various professionals. Planning for Report Writing Define the problem and the purpose: Outline the issues for investigation: Prepare a work plan: Conduct research, analyse and interpret: Draw conclusions: Types of Reports Long and Short Reports: Long Reports are detailed analysis of a project or a problem at hand. As indicated by the name, Long reports are lengthy and consume a lot of time in making as well as presentation. Formal and Informal Reports: ➢ Formal Reports are those reports, which are to be submitted to a higher authority for analysis or for approval. ➢ Informal reports are those which are prepared by the person, either for his own use or for keeping as a record, not for the use of an organization for any formal purposes. Business Reports: Business Reports are the ones prepared in the organizations for formal purposes.
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