Reading Skills and
Comprehension Strategies
Asim Zaheer
Why Reading Matters
• Reading is more than recognizing words—it's
understanding the world.
• It helps us:
- Expand knowledge and empathy.
- Think critically and solve problems.
- Communicate effectively.
Purpose & Function of Reading
Strategies
1. Previewing: Helps set the purpose for reading and
focus on important details.
2. Scanning: Quickly locates specific information,
saving time.
3. Skimming: Identifies main ideas, providing a quick
overview.
4. Critical Reading: Encourages deep thinking and
evaluation.
Skimming and Scanning
• Skimming:
- Read quickly to grasp main ideas.
- Focus on headings, subheadings, and summaries.
- Ideal for previewing material before detailed reading.
• Scanning:
- Search for specific words, numbers, or phrases.
- Skip irrelevant information to locate answers.
- Best for looking up facts or details.
Examples: Skimming and Scanning
1. Skimming:
- Reading a news article and identify the headline,
main points, and conclusion.
2. Scanning:
- Using a research paper to find specific data like dates,
statistics, or keywords.
How to Improve Comprehension
• Predicting: Anticipate what might happen based on
headings and context.
• Questioning: Engage with the text by asking 'why'
and 'how.'
• Summarizing: Restate content in your own words to
clarify understanding.
• Visualizing: Picture scenes or concepts to improve
memory and engagement.
Developing Critical Thinking
From Text to Thought:
• Question assumptions in the text.
• Compare different viewpoints.
• Reflect on the text's implications.
Ask yourself:
• What’s the author’s purpose?
• Are the arguments logical and well-supported?
• How does this connect to what I know?
Reflective and Analytical Activities
1. Text Critique:
- Evaluate arguments and perspectives in an essay or
article.
2. Reflective Writing:
- Summarize a text and provide personal takeaways.
- Analyze strengths and weaknesses of the text.
Takeaways
Takeaways from today:
• Reading isn’t just for learning; it’s for
growing.
• Use strategies like skimming, scanning,
and critical thinking to become a thoughtful
reader.
• Practice often—better comprehension is
within your reach!
Thank You
