Reading is one of the most important skills in life, at least until we can upload knowledge directly to our brains, \u00e0 la The Matrix<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However\u2014 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While reading is great, it\u2019s merely a means to an end, because reading doesn\u2019t really matter without reading comprehension<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nWhat is Reading Comprehension?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Reading comprehension is the ability to fully understand the words one sees while also grasping the deeper meaning and concepts put forth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be able to comprehend that which you are reading, first you have to know the meaning of the individual words you see; this is called word recognition<\/em>. However, to fully comprehend<\/em> it means that you must also understand the meaning of the words as they\u2019re written (known in linguistics as semantics<\/em>) as well as the context in which they\u2019re used (known as pragmatics<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, you might read somewhere that \u201cPhillipa Soo wished Lin-Manuel Miranda to \u2018break a leg\u2019 before they went on stage.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To comprehend the idiom \u201cbreak a leg\u201d requires more than simple word recognition<\/em>; otherwise, you might think to yourself, why is that mean woman wishing Hamilton a damaged appendage?<\/em> Rather, you must comprehend<\/em> the fact that it is an idiomatic term in the theater business commonly used to wish actors \u201cgood luck\u201d on their upcoming performances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Retention is also a factor in reading comprehension, but not as much as you might think. If you have an eidetic memory, you might be able to recite a whole chapter you read on artificial intelligence, for example. However, to comprehend what you read on AI, you must also be able to integrate that new information into the larger body of knowledge you\u2019ve built up over time. And, you should be able to answer questions on the topic afterwards, as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Read<\/strong>: How to Manage Your Time Effectively<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why Improve Reading Comprehension?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Reading comprehension comes with a whole lot of benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you improve your reading comprehension skills, you will be better able to understand the subject matter discussed, which is important academically, professionally, and in everyday life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In school, you\u2019ll be able to make inferences based on what you studied to create a novel research paper or thesis. In your career, you\u2019ll benefit from better comprehension in reading by better understanding sales pitches, onboarding documentation, or legal information. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And, in your personal life, you\u2019ll have a deeper grasp of important news you might read, which will help you make better decisions for your health, finances, and the people you vote for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And, finally, increased comprehension makes any reading you take on simply so much more enjoyable!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Read<\/strong>: 25+ Best History Books of All Time for a Solid Understanding of Our World<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to Improve Reading Comprehension?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Here are our best tips to help you improve reading comprehension skills:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Improve Your Memory<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
As we mentioned before, a good memory<\/a> might provide a false sense of reading comprehension. However, the ability to retain information easily is a crucial step on the road to a full understanding of the reading material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Increase Your Vocabulary<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Similar to our first strategy for increasing reading skills and understanding, increasing vocabulary alone shouldn\u2019t be mistaken for comprehension. However, when you improve your vocabulary, you\u2019ll be better prepared to appreciate what you\u2019re reading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, if you\u2019re reading a lesson plan on digital marketing, you may come across sentences full of industry jargon. Understanding this phrasing beforehand will make actual reading comprehension much easier than if you had to stop at each word and look it up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, on the first time around, try using clues based on the context to get the gist of what you\u2019re reading, even if you don\u2019t understand all the words. Note the words you need to look up, and then do so as soon as you\u2019re done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Read<\/strong>: 15+ Best Study Tips and Advice<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Slow Down<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Some time ago, I made an ambitious New Year\u2019s resolution<\/a> to read over 100 books in 12 months. I started reading faster and faster because I was spending hours each day with my head buried in a book, but comprehension soon began to suffer. As a result, I wasn\u2019t even enjoying my personal challenge, which made it kinda pointless. <\/p>\n\n\n\n