Tips for reading longer texts

• You don't have to read everything that is on your reading list. Be selective.
• Try to read in concentrated stretches of an hour maximum.
• Know what your optimum time for reading is - some people are 'morning people', others are 'late night people'. Don't try to read when you know that you cannot concentrate
• Always read in the same place, at a desk ideally, and somewhere not too comfortable.
• Build in rewards for yourself when you finish sections/chapters
• Every two or three pages, write a short paraphrase of what you think you have understood so far (writing a paraphrase rather than just copying out of the book will also help you to avoid plagiarism later when you are writing up your essays).
• Read with a piece of paper and pencil to hand.
• Only read what is useful.
• Skim the abstract, introduction and the conclusion first to get a feel¡ng for what the text is all about (this is called 'surveying' the text)
• Use the index effectively to find the pages you need
• Prioritise areas of the text. You don't need to spend an equal amount of time on everything.
• Remember that it is also useful to look at footnotes and bibliographies.

Tips for improving reading efficiency

• Sometimes, the faster you read, the more you will understand.
• Develop good skimming and scanning techniques.
• Read a lot, including plenty of things at an easier level than your current level of English.
• Practice focussing on several words at a time, not each word in turn, and try to keep your moving forwards, not backwards.
• Avoid constant use of the dictionary.
• Remember key words in the text as you go along. Make up mnemonic devices as you go along.
• Make a quick mind-map as you move forward in your reading.
• Do not point to words with your finger.
• Avoid reading the words aloud to yourself as you are reading (this is called vocalisation, and slows down reading speed).