Speed reading programs vary greatly in terms of what techniques they teach, what they promise, and the actual outcome. This can be confusing if you have decided to explore speed reading for the first time, and had always thought (like many of us) that speed reading is just one single concept or technique that can be learnt. Actually, there are at least two major approaches to speed reading that differ in fundamental ways. Most speed reading programs are based on one of these two major approaches to speed reading, though there are also a lot of individual variations between the many programs.
Traditional speed reading programs are based on something that we all do naturally - instead of reading a passage in detail, there are times when we just scan it, letting our eyes travel down the page quickly. With simple scanning, most people can read up to 600 or 700 wpm (words per minute), as opposed to 200 - 400 wpm when we are reading carefully, for comprehension and study. The first speed reading programs just improve on scanning speed.
Many studies corroborate the fact that there is no need to read every single word in a passage of text in order to gain comprehension or an understanding of it - the mind naturally fills in the gaps of what we don't actually read. And to put it simply, the more we 'skip' while reading, the faster we can read. Though this varies among individuals, it is generally true that a certain amount of material can be skipped without losing very much comprehension. Of course, some experts disagree, saying that speed readers typically comprehend only 50% of what they are reading, as opposed to as much as 75% for regular reading.
Some other speed reading programs teach you how to speed up the rate of your 'scanning' by leading your eyes across the page using the sweeping motion of a 'pacer' (which your eyes naturally follow) or by teaching you to use and increase your peripheral vision while reading. Despite what some experts say about the low comprehension, there is considerable documentation of the efficacy of these speed reading programs and some people have proven that they can comprehend just as much information as someone who read the exact same piece of text at normal reading speed.
Some of the newer speed reading programs work on a different principle. They argue that scanning the page in a linear manner, whether or not you read every word, is completely unnecessary; in fact, they claim that it even wastes time. Rather, they posit that the human mind is capable of mentally 'photographing' a complete page of words - taking in everything that is on it in its entirety, in a very short period of time. Some speed reading programs claim incredible success rates based on this principle, though it remains controversial. Mainstream scientists are sceptical about these claims, arguing that the programs just teach people to scan really quickly, and that the overall comprehension is poor.
Reading Programs For Elementary
If you've recently started on the entire Harry Potter series, then you have a lot of catching up to do, meaning a decent speed reading program helps enable you to cover more text at a faster rate. With a series of helpful techniques, one is able to expand their comprehension, while tackling larger blocks of text in less time. Below you will find some of the things a respectable speed reading program covers:
1) Adjust Reading Speed
When learning how to read books and other publications at a faster rate, a speed reading program teaches users how to adjust their speed of reading in regards to the kind of writing they are covering. Often, readers will abandon comprehension just to complete a particular passage. When you ask some readers what they have just read, they are unable to recall the material.
It is important to know how to turn on and off the speed in order to comprehend. For example, quickly skimming a newspaper article allows a reader to catch onto the main points, but when it comes to absorbing philosophy homework, it is suggested to adjust your speed to a much slower pace.
2) Separate the Meat From the Fat
Often, you face reading material that contains a lot of "filler" words to stretch the content. Sometimes, books, magazines, and articles actually repeat information by simply phrasing details in a different manner. Those who are able to quickly skim passages, as a "pre-read" will become well versed in pinpointing where most of the important information is located.
Depending on the kind of training you receive from your speed reading book, program, or software, you will develop this technique by identifying repeated words, key words, bold print, and other important indicators of relevant information. Ultimately, this helps readers skim large blocks of text much quicker.
3) Avoid Rereading
Speed reading programs help readers train themselves to kick the habit of rereading. Many people have a knack of making frequent stops when reading – in an effort to skip back to completed words and sentence in order to confirm that they've fully understood the material. Many times, this is an unnecessary habit that the majority of readers are unaware has become routine. Countless readers do it without knowing and are uninformed that this drastically reduces reading speed.
When following a speed reading program, a common exercise is to take a sheet of paper or index card and drag it down the length of the page while reading. This helps people cover each and every line of text to improve comprehension. The card should be dragged in a steady motion. The aim is to start slowly, increasing speed once the technique feels natural.
In the end, investing in a speed reading program is a great way to improve overall reading and comprehension skills by embracing an assortment of techniques that aim to retrain the way you approach text. While there are many other lessons to learn pertaining to speed reading – you most often start with avoiding the urge to reread and practicing the art of accurate skimming.
Darian Jones has sinced written about articles on various topics from Marketing, Celebrities and Speed Reading. . Darian Jones's top article generates over 12100 views. to your Favourites.
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