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Welcome to the no frames page for Exploding Four Reading Myths.<p>
<p class="volume_subhdr">Exploding Four Reading Myths</p>
<p>One of the most important aspects of effective reading is your attitude toward<br>
the reading task. Many students base their approach to reading and their reading<br>
strategies on the following four myths.</p>
<ul>
<li><em>Myth 1: You only need to read the material once</em>. Textbooks are
packed with<br>
too much information to understand, much less retain, in one reading<br>
session. This is particularly true if the information is new and unfamiliar.<br>
Most students who can read and retain information from a textbook in<br>
just one session usually have some prior knowledge about the subject.<br>
Rereading allows you to build up information in layers of understanding.<br>
Developing a specific purpose each time you read the material will aid<br>
you. For example, read the first time to formulate questions about the material,<br>
read the second time to find and record the answers, and read again<br>
to review and reinforce what you have learned. Rereading material builds<br>
familiarity, understanding, and knowledge.<br>
</li>
<li><em>Myth 2: You have to read every word.</em> Some experts suggest that
you don’t<br>
need to read every word of a passage. This is particularly true once you<br>
break your reading task into steps with distinct purposes. For example, the<br>
first step in SQ3R is to survey. This step requires that you quickly preview<br>
the selection to get a grasp of the reading task and to set your purpose for<br>
your reading session. A quick preview allows you to identify new or difficult<br>
words and create questions based on headings and subheadings that<br>
you can answer as you read. Some books, such as reference books and<br>
handbooks, are not meant to be read word for word. Selective reading<br>
handled wisely is an effective reading strategy.<br>
</li>
<li><em>Myth 3: Your reading rate affects your comprehension.</em> Many people
believe<br>
that a faster rate means less comprehension. Therefore, they are hesitant<br>
to push themselves to read more rapidly. However, comprehension is<br>
based on the ability to pull the author’s main idea and important details<br>
from the text. The more skilled you become at this, the faster you will be<br>
able to read. Often readers worry so much about their reading rate that<br>
they cannot concentrate on the material! Once you focus on the purpose<br>
of your reading, your rate will improve along with your comprehension.<br>
</li>
<li><em>Myth 4: Some people are just born better readers.</em> Reading is a
learned behavior.<br>
And just like any other skill, it takes time and practice to become<br>
efficient and effective. You can increase your reading ability!</li>
</ul><br>
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