Reading_EdEng1-Final for the students and teachers

for reference

1. Definition of Reading: "Reading" is the process of looking at a series of written symbols and getting meaning from them. When we read, we use our eyes to receive written symbols (letters, punctuation marks and spaces) and we use our brain to convert them into words, sentences and paragraphs that communicate something to us. Reading can be silent (in our head) or aloud (so that other people can hear). Reading is a  receptive  skill - through it we  receive  information. But the complex process of reading also requires the skill of speaking, so that we can pronounce the words that we read. In this sense, reading is also a productive skill in that we are both receiving information and transmitting it (even if only to ourselves). Reading is a decoding process, breaking of a visual code/symbols. Reading for meaning is emphasized from the very earliest stages of instruction; in this view reading as a comprehension process is stressed. Reading is a process of communication between the author and the reader.

2. Characteristics of Reading Reading is a complex process. Reading is an active process. It is a thinking process. Reading makes use of a linguistic system which enables readers to be more effective users of written language. Effective reading is partly dependent on the reader’s prior knowledge or background experience.

3. DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES OF READING Pre-reading Stage During this stage, the individual is engage in a program of experiences aimed to enhance his oral language development to a level equal to or greater than the levels of materials for beginning reading. Experiences are also provided for concept development.

4. Initial Reading Stage The individual begins to use picture, context, and configuration clues to recognize words and then goes on to beginning instruction in phonetic and structural analysis techniques. He learns to use and handle books, acquires the understanding that reading yields information, and begins to develop skills in finding main ideas, anticipating outcomes, making inferences, finding details, and noting sequence.

5. Stage of Rapid Progress The reader extends his use of variety of word recognition techniques and begins to use the dictionary for word meaning, spelling, and pronunciation. He extends his vocabulary and comprehension skills. He reads with understanding a greater variety of materials, and he begins to read independently for information and pleasure.

6. Stage of Extended Reading Experience and Rapidly Increasing Reading Efficiency The individual, at this stage, uses word-recognition techniques automatically, and is almost completely independent in reading. He reads with understanding in the subject areas, extends his dictionary reference-use skills, uses the library independently, and begins to use reading as a tool in problem solving.

7. Stage of Refinement in Reading Abilities, Attitudes and Tastes The individual reader has acquired independence in locating and utilizing a variety of materials, is aware of varied purposes for reading and has developed skills of critical evaluation of material read. His reading interests are extended, and his literary tastes refined. This refinement process actually begins with initial reading instruction and proceeds into adult life.

8. The Importance of Reading It makes us well informed. Reading can be a worthwhile form of recreation. It is fun to read. Bennet Cerf once said that “the most unfortunate people in the world are those who have never learned the soul satisfying pleasure of reading good books.” It can be a form of therapy. Books furnish us a form of sublimation (a grievance drainage)

9. READING TECHNIQUES Pre-reading is quick appraisal which provide you a systematic approach in order to gain the most from your reading in the shortest amount of time. Why Pre-read? Pre-reading can help you evaluate a passage to see if it is worthwhile reading in detail. Pre-reading will help you gain an understanding of the main structure of the content of the passages as a whole.

10. A. Scanning It is a reading skill use by good readers to find specific information quickly. People scan to find facts, and to answer questions. These reminders will help you when you scan: Read the questions. Decide what kind of information you are looking for a number, a date, a person’s name, etc. Look only for that information. Do not read every word in every sentence. Find the sentence you think has the answer. Read the sentence to be certain you have the correct answer. Write the answer.

11. Skimming Inspecting a text rapidly with occasional periods of close inspection, i.e., quickly running once eyes over a text to get the gist. Skimming is a reading skill used by the good reader to find general ideas quickly Skimming is used to: Anticipate the general concept of the chapter/ selection you are going to read. Decide if a chapter/selection has the kind of information you are looking for. Get the general idea of a chapter/selection you do not have time to read. This reminder will help you skim: Move your eyes across the line rapidly. Do not stop. Always look forward, do not look back. Focus as much as possible on keywords. Remember that the first sentence usually prepares the readers on the paragraph.

12. Predicting Outcomes Reading to predict outcome is a form of reading to identify an expected outcome or a probable consequences based on certain tendencies or trends. In order to predict outcomes, one must first see the relationships among the given facts. This skill is an aspect of active reading in which the reader assumes an attitude of anticipation. Pointers : Examine the available data and their relationships. Make conclusions or generalizations about the topics presented. Anticipate a possible outcome based on your conclusion or generalization.

13. Inferring Reading between the lines requires a kind of sensitivity on your part so that you will be able to use some clues, link them to your own experiences and arrived at the “new” desired information. When you do this you do inferring. Inferring occurs when you mentally explore and takes a position in relation to the facts and related details.

14. Receptive / Intensive Reading Careful reading aimed at discovering exactly what the author seeks to convey; often reading for information; readers need to understand linguistic and semantic detail and pay close attention to the text.

15. Extensive Reading Often reading for pleasure; readers need not understand all details of the text; speed and skill in getting the gist are most important.