UNIT I- LSRW SKILLS

READING STYLES

Definition of Reading-
Reading is a dynamic process in which the reader interacts with the text to
construct meaning.

Inherent in constructing meaning is the reader’s ability to activate prior

knowledge, use reading strategies and adapt to the reading situation.

Purposes of reading
Reading is the source of most of our information. Main purposes for reading are
as follows-

 To learn the script of a language

 To learn about some concept or topic

 To get literary experience (like reading novels stories and poems etc)

 To get entertained

 To get directions

 To understand instructions

Factors Affecting Reading Skills

 Educational background

 Mental Capability
  Physical Capability

 Interest

 Practise

Styles of Reading
Depending upon the purpose of our reading, we adopt one of these 4 main styles
generally-

1. Skimming

2. Scanning

3. Churning

4. Assimilating

1 : Skimming
 It is fast browsing of the entire passage

 We get a rough idea about the topic of the passage

 We try to work efficiently and save time.

 When we are searching for an information, and we have a large number of

texts to choose from, we do a fast-browsing to decide which texts to read,
and which to reject.

 It is also done to review previously read material.

Instructions for skimming-

We should try to get the idea of these major facts from the texts-
1. Topic of the text

2. Target audience

3. Type of the text i.e. report, advertisement article etc

4. Purpose of the text (like to inform, to explain or to persuade)

2 : Scanning
 While doing a reading comprehension, we take a look at the questions
asked on the passage and when we re read the passage to locate those
specific information, it is called scanning.

 Scanning is done for finite and highly specific purpose

 It is also called "search reading"

 We look for specific information in the text.

 In this way, we skip more than we read. It can said to be the fastest method
of reading.

3 : Churning
Churning means interpretation and inference.

 Interpretation: Getting the summary of all the important points on a topic.

 Inference: Reading between the lines. Understanding facts that are not
stated openly.

Interpretation: How is it done?

Depending on the question, we need to decide what angle we are going to take,
to interpret a text.

Generally, a text contains discussion on more than one keyword. You have to
collect information on the specific keyword that is asked in the question.

In order to draw inference, one has to apply one’s own logic and try to connect
the dots.

Techniques to do churning-
Word meaning and coherence

Word meanings-

 Understanding different meaning based on contexts.

 Guess the unknown words from context.

 Guess meaning from root words.

 Read not the sentence, but sense-groups.

 Try to get an overview beforehand.

Coherence =>Discourse Markers

 Discourse markers are words that come at the beginning of sentences, like
‘clearly’, ‘therefore’, ‘lastly’, ‘on the other hand’, ‘however’, etc.

 They indicate whether the sentence is an example, a conclusion, or an

opposite opinion.

 They help us understand how an idea is developed in a passage.

 4 : Assimilating
When we attempt to make a mental map of the entire passage that we have read,
it is called assimilating. When we say we have understood a concept after reading
a chapter, we have actually done assimilation.

Steps to do assimilation-
 Churning has made available the information. Convert the information into
an idea. Think about it at a personal level.Look for pictures, videos and
other texts related to the topic to get better knowledge.

 Discuss with peers to get their view-points as well.

 This will help you plant a mental-map of the information you have read.

Aspects of Assimilation: what can you do after assimilation?

1. Summarize the main points

2. Recall the structure of the passage: What was in introduction; supporting

sentences; conclusions.

3. Discuss about the authors viewpoint

4. Retain the information in memory

5. Deliver that memorized information to another person.

Techniques for Improving Reading Skills

1. Active reading: Reading should be done as an active process, by involving the
mind along with the body

2. Selection of appropriate reading type: Whether a material needs to be read

carefully, normally, skimmed or scanned – this decision should be made before
reading the material.

3. Concentration on content and speed: If a reader fully concentrates on contents

and speed, his reading efficiency will improve.

4. Quick and silent reading: Quick reading will not reduce the omprehension and
reading efficiency. Silent reading will be faster than oral reading speed.

5. Preview and review of material: Both preview and review help in increasing
reading efficiency. If one’s reading requires comprehension and retention of
relatively difficult material, one should preview it through scanning or skimming
before initiating careful reading.

Summary of Reading Styles

 Reading involves 4 styles: Skimming, Scanning, Churning and assimilating

 Skimming and Scanning are done fast. They help us know the topic of the
passage and some specific details that are easily visible.

 Churning helps us interpret the text from a viewpoint. It also helps us infer
the facts that are not stated openly in the texts.

 Knowledge of word-meanings is very important for churning.

 Assimilating is the final stage of reading, when we set the information in our
memory, for use in future.