Reading skills that work - for tests and in class

Summary

James from EngVid delivers a lesson on improving reading skills, emphasizing active reading techniques. He suggests asking W5 questions to engage the brain, breaking down introductions to identify main ideas and the author's thesis, and summarizing chapters by their content and function. For speed and comprehension, he recommends the 'finger method' for quick reading and paraphrasing to ensure understanding. James encourages daily practice with these methods for enhanced reading efficiency and enjoyment.

Takeaways

• 😄 The video is a lesson on improving reading skills, inspired by a previous video on reading comprehension.
• 🎬 The reference to Eddie Murphy's movie 'Delirious' sets a light-hearted tone for the lesson.
• 🔍 The video aims to help viewers read faster, improve their reading skills, and enjoy the reading experience.
• 🤔 It emphasizes the importance of active reading over passive reading, where one hopes to understand by simply looking at the text.
• 📚 The introduction of a text is crucial and should be broken down into its subject, main ideas, and the author's thesis.
• ❓ Asking W5 questions (Who, What, When, Where, Why) helps to inform the brain about what to look for in the text.
• 🛑 The myth that every word in a text must be read is debunked; instead, focus on pertinent information.
• 📝 Summarizing each chapter in terms of what it says and what function it serves is key to understanding and retention.
• 👨‍🏫 Teaching someone else what you've read is a good way to test your understanding and solidify your learning.
• ⏱️ Daily practice of 15 minutes using the 'finger method' to read faster and then paraphrasing the text ensures comprehension and speed improvement.
• 📈 Consistent daily practice leads to gradual improvement in reading speed and comprehension.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the video by James from EngVid?

The purpose of the video is to teach viewers how to improve their reading skills, particularly for those who want to read faster and better without the aid of a dictionary, as well as to enjoy the reading experience.

What does James suggest is the first step to improve reading skills?

James suggests that the first step to improve reading skills is to engage in active reading by asking questions that inform the brain about what to look for and what's important in the text.

What is the significance of the 'W5' questions in the context of reading?

The 'W5' questions are significant because they help the reader to identify the key elements of the text such as 'Who', 'What', 'Where', 'When', and 'Why', which in turn helps in focusing on the pertinent information.

Why is breaking down the introduction important when reading a text?

Breaking down the introduction is important because it usually contains the topic, main ideas, and the author's thesis, which helps the reader to understand the overall structure and purpose of the text, making it easier to skim and focus on relevant information.

What does James mean by 'fluff' or 'filler' in a text?

By 'fluff' or 'filler', James refers to the unnecessary or non-essential parts of a text that do not contribute to the main ideas or arguments, which can be skipped to save time and focus on the important content.

How does summarizing each chapter in two parts help in understanding a text?

Summarizing each chapter in two parts helps in understanding a text by not only capturing the content ('what it says') but also the function ('what it does'), such as presenting an idea or providing evidence, which aids in grasping the overall structure and purpose of the text.

What is the 'finger method' that James introduces for improving reading speed?

The 'finger method' is a technique where the reader uses their fingers to guide their eyes down the text at a faster pace, with the aim of increasing reading speed while maintaining comprehension.

Why is paraphrasing important after reading a text quickly?

Paraphrasing is important because it ensures that the reader has understood the text. By putting the information into their own words, they can verify their comprehension and identify any gaps in understanding.

What is the recommended duration for daily practice to improve reading skills according to James?

James recommends a daily practice of 15 minutes, using the techniques discussed in the video, to gradually improve reading skills.

How can engaging with others help in assessing one's understanding of a text?

Engaging with others, such as teaching them what you've learned, can help in assessing one's understanding because it requires you to explain the concepts clearly, which in turn solidifies your own comprehension.

What is the website mentioned by James for further learning resources?

The website mentioned by James for further learning resources is www.engvid.com, which offers a variety of lessons to improve English skills.