Form Five English: Reading Skills (Topic)

Topic: Reading Skills

Reading involves processing written information to understand the content of the message. However, reading can be challenging without proper skills, leading to difficulty comprehending or efficiently processing text.

Types of Reading / Techniques of Reading Skills

Reading techniques vary based on the reader’s purpose and the activities involved. Here are some common types and strategies:

1. Skimming
   Skimming is reading for general information. The reader scans headings, subheadings, and other key parts to grasp the main points quickly. This technique is useful when assessing new books, journals, newspapers, and magazines, especially in libraries, to determine their relevance. Skimming saves time and helps the reader decide what to read in detail later.
2. Scanning
   Scanning involves quickly surveying written materials to locate specific information. The reader knows what they are looking for and uses indexes or tables of contents to find it. For example, scanning newspaper headlines to find an article of interest.
3. Intensive/Study Reading
   Intensive reading aims for thorough understanding and retention. This method is used for studying textbooks or complex materials, where the reader concentrates on every detail to fully grasp the content.
4. Extensive Reading
   Extensive reading involves reading a wide range of materials for broader knowledge. Students, for example, read various novels, plays, and poetry to enhance their understanding. This technique enriches the reader with diverse information from multiple sources.
5. Critical Reading
   Critical reading requires interpreting the text beyond its literal meaning. The reader analyzes and evaluates the information, relating it to personal and others’ experiences. This involves reading between the lines and questioning the content to understand the deeper implications.

Strategies for Critical and Intensive Reading

To achieve effective critical and intensive reading, consider the following strategies:

1. Prepare Yourself Physically
   Arrange your reading materials and environment to minimize distractions.
2. Set Objectives
   Define what you aim to achieve by the end of your reading session, such as understanding key concepts or themes.
3. Outline Main Points
   Identify signal words and main points to understand the flow of ideas.
4. Predict Questions
   Formulate questions as you read to assess your understanding.
5. Observe Text Structure
   Pay attention to headings and subheadings to organize information in your mind.
6. Be Active
   Read phrases instead of individual words to grasp ideas clearly. Focus on main points for better comprehension and retention.
7. Take Breaks
   Schedule breaks to avoid fatigue and maintain reading as an enjoyable activity.
8. Make Connections
   Relate new information to prior knowledge to enhance understanding.
9. Engage with the Author
   Pretend to converse with the author, agreeing or disagreeing with points to distinguish between facts and opinions.

Connotative and Denotative Meaning

Connotative Meaning
Connotative meaning goes beyond the basic definition of a word, influenced by cultural and emotional associations. For example:

• “Lion” (connotative: courageous, powerful)
• “Man” as “Woman” (negative connotation: weak, emotional)
• “Western countries” (rich, capitalist)

Connotations vary among individuals and cultures, and they can be positive, negative, or neutral.

Denotative Meaning
Denotative meaning is the literal, dictionary definition of a word. For example:

• “Snake” (denotative: a legless, sometimes venomous reptile)

Connotative meanings add layers to the denotative meanings, influenced by cultural beliefs and emotions.

Idioms / Idiomatic Expressions

Idioms are phrases whose meanings differ from the literal meanings of the individual words. Examples include:

• “Kick the bucket” (die)
• “Pave the way” (facilitate)
• “Bury the hatchet” (forget past disputes)

Argumentative Text

Arguments aim to convince others through reasoning. An argument typically consists of premises that provide evidence and a conclusion drawn from these premises. Valid arguments follow logical reasoning. Key words indicating arguments include “if,” “since,” “then,” “because,” and “must.”

Not all statements or propositions constitute an argument; a true argument involves premises, an inference, and a conclusion.