1. Make Sure you understand the type of text you have

Ask yourself: What type of work am I reading? Is it information-based, like a newspaper, textbook, or manual? Or is it more creative/artistic, like a novel or short story? This matters!^[1]

• For instance, if you’re reading to follow instructions (like a recipe or assembly guide), you’ll need to understand the exact meaning of each step.
• If you’re reading a text that has lots of information, like a textbook, then you’ll be reading most of all for new information on things you don’t know or understand.

2.Decide on the pupose of your reading

The reason why you’re reading has an impact on how you read. For instance, reading a novel for a class can be different than reading a novel for pleasure, since you’ll be expected to understand and remember the text rather than just enjoy the experience of reading it. Ask yourself: What am I reading for?

• If you’re reading to gain information (for instance, to meet work or school requirements), you’ll probably want to try extensive techniques.
• If you’re reading to practice pronunciation, learn vocabulary, or study grammar, you’ll probably want to try intensive techniques.

3.Sceen your reading before you begin

Whatever the purpose of your reading is, taking a few minutes to look the piece over is very helpful. Check and see how the work is structured and presented. These are easy ways to increase your understanding.^[2]

• Does the work have a title?
• Is there a table of contents you can scan?
• Is the work divided into separate sections?
• Does the work have any “extras,” like bolded key words, illustrations, or graphs?