KINDS OF READING

Reading is a process of getting meaning from the book and brining meaning into it, it also can be
classified according to the rate or speed which a person reads as well as to his/her purpose.
These are the kinds of reading;

1. Skimming – is a reading by the sign posts or clues in the selection. It is fast reading which the
reader reads headings and topic sentences and spot-reads parts of paragraph. It gives the
reader an overview of the material for the purpose of getting a bird’s eye-view of what
information could be obtained from it.

How to Skim:
1. Set your eyes to go quickly over the pages and look for the clues that make you aware of what
information may be obtained.
2. Have an overview of the subject or subjects to who, what, when, where or why was it
written.
3. Glance lightly over the preface, the summary, if any, and the concluding statements to
ascertain the general content of the reading material.

Or
1. Read the title 2
2. Read the introduction or the first paragraph
3. Read the first sentence of every other paragraph
4. Read any headings and sub heading.
5. Notice any pictures, charts or graphs
6. Notice any italic or boldfaced words or phrases
7. Read the summary or the last paragraph

2. Scanning – is another ways of browsing over a book for the purpose of nobbling the pages
for topics needed for understanding the preparation of a research work, on the other hand is
glancing through pages to locate a particular kind of information. Scanning involves moving the
eyes quickly down the page seeking specific words and phrases, also used when one first find a
resource to determine whether it will answer his/her question
How to Scan:
1. With the cues from the table of contents and index, the reader would be able to pinpoint the
pages where the desired facts are found.
2. Note- taking should be undertaken for purpose of keeping track of the sources of such
information
3. The reader may use bookmarks to underscore the subject. This system may be help in
developing the reader’s retentively of his memory.

3. Idea Reading- is the rapid reading for the main idea. Moving swiftly, the eyes catch large
phrases at each glance and register in the brain only the most significant words in those phrases.
Idea reading means making quick decisions, as to the relative importance of the different clues
and rapidly associating them with ideas assimilated in previous experiences. You are only getting
the main idea on the paragraph.

4. Exploratory Reading– is done when one aims to get a fairly accurate picture of a whole
presentation of ideas. Materials that call for this type of reading contain few heading and cues
and require more concentration like long articles in magazines, descriptive literature and light
fiction. It allots more time for reading.

5. Study Reading the learner gets a maximum understanding of the main ideas and their
relationships. The SQ3R reading formula is a good example of the procedure. It is used especially
in science, mathematics, social studies, and arts.

S – Survey - take note the titles, headings, and subheadings; words in italics or print bold;
intro & summaries; pictures & captions; questions at the end of the chapter or section.
Familiarizing with the material presented in a chapter. Survey the document, and scan the
contents, introduction, chapter introductions and chapter summaries to pick up a shallow
overview of the text.
Q – Question – turn headings & subheadings into questions by asking who, what, when,
where, why and how.
Formulating a question before reading encourages the reader to become more involved
with the chapter. Make the note of any questions on the subject that come to mind, or
 particularly interest you following your survey. Perhaps scan the documents again to see
if any stand out. These questions can be considered almost a study goal – understanding
the answers can help you to structure the information in your own mind.
3R’s
R –Read – takes time to read with maximum comprehension. Try to answer the questions
you posed in the previous steps. Try to point the main ideas and major details of the text.
Reading with a specific purpose to helps to promote concentration. Read the document,
read through useful sections in detail, taking care to understand all the points that are
relevant.

R – Recite– Recite aloud or mentally, pair up with a partner for a Q&A session.
Allowing the reader to assess his/her understanding of the reading material. Once you
have read appropriate sections of the document, run through it in your mind several
times. Isolate the core facts or the essential process behind the subject, and then see how
other information fits around them.

R – Review – repeat some of the previous steps and review on a regular basis.
Challenges the reader to recall the chapter’s main points and comprehend the
relationships between them. One you have run through the exercise of recalling the
information, you can move on to the stage of reviewing it. This review can be by rereading
the document, by expanding your notes, or by discussing the material with colleagues.

6. Critical Reading – the reader stops to consider the facts carefully it is not necessary to
read fast because rapid reading of the main ideas might lead to false conclusion. This is the kind
of reading used on periodicals, books and advertising materials which are loaded with
propaganda devices designed to sway opinions or sell products. ‘Take time to read in order to
get facts straight’
Critical Reading requires the reader to:
1. Go back and consider carefully the source of the reading materials and the possible
biases or ulterior motives its author or publisher might have
2. Consider the facts about the author, his/her background, and knowledge of the subject.
3. Watch out for inconsistencies and for false analogies
4. Be aware of emotionally loaded words which appeal to basic emotions and stir up
strong reactions.

7. Analytic Reading – is the type that demands careful attention to each word and its
relative importance in relation to other words in the sentence or paragraph. It is an approach
that probes more deeply to understand the message and goal of the piece you read.
Example Reading mathematical theorems and problems, scientific formulae, and certain
definitive statements of key ideas require a questioning mind