For some people, reading is not an easy job. Basically, it takes a high concentration to absorb all the information listed; Unfortunately, not everyone can do it. If you are still in school or college, you must have the ability to absorb information well. To do this, make sure you first create a calm and comfortable atmosphere for reading and try to pay attention to each piece of information without rushing. If necessary, take supplementary notes to help you understand the information better.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Creating a Cozy Atmosphere
Step 1. Choose a reading location that is quiet and with minimal distractions
For example, you can read in a room or attic of a house that is far enough from the kitchen or living room. At school, you can also find a quiet location like the library or a slightly secluded corner of the study.
Choose a location with a door and thick walls. The barrier in the form of doors and thick walls is effective in reducing noise that can interfere with your reading concentration
Step 2. Mute noise and other distractions
If you're having trouble muting the noise around you, try wearing headphones or earplugs. Another way you can do is to close doors and windows so you can focus more on understanding the content of the text.
Also turn off your cellphone and internet network. That way, your concentration won't be distracted by the hustle and bustle of social media or text messages from your friends
Step 3. Tell those closest to you that you don't want to be disturbed
Explain to them that you want to focus more on reading. Some things you can try are putting a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the bedroom door, or simply asking them not to call or chat with you for a certain period of time.
Ask other people not to bother you for a certain period of time (for example, 30 minutes or 1 hour). This will help you to focus more easily in a calm and comfortable environment
Method 2 of 3: Reading Carefully
Step 1. Read the printed text
Reading text on paper – instead of on a computer screen – helps your eyes focus more on the information on the screen. Therefore, try printing out any information you find on the internet (or stored on your laptop) so that you have a physical copy. After all, reading text on a laptop or computer screen will make your eyes tired and unfocused more easily.
- If you want to reduce paper usage, try printing text on both sides. You can even print text on recycled paper.
- Optionally, you can also read the text in an e-book like the Kindle. So that your eyes don't get tired easily while reading, try increasing the page size.
Step 2. Try to find keywords, important ideas, and the main theme of the text
Observe words that are repeated, ideas that are considered important in the text, and themes that keep appearing on each page of the text. Doing so makes it easier for you to understand the entire text.
Use the keywords, important ideas, and main themes you find as a guide for reading the text in more detail
Step 3. Read the information listed aloud
Reading information aloud can slow your reading tempo; as a result, you will read the text more carefully. Listen to every sentence that comes out of your mouth; also pay attention to the 'sound' of each word in the text. Make sure you also pay attention to the repetition patterns, phrases, and language styles used.
So that reading activities do not feel boring, try reading the information listed alternately with your friends. When your friend is reading the passage, make sure you listen carefully, okay?
Step 4. Reread the part you don't understand
If you have trouble understanding a particular sentence or paragraph, feel free to read each word slowly until you fully understand its meaning and context. I'm sure after that your understanding will improve significantly.
After rereading, try to consider the context of the sentence. Ask yourself, “How do you think this section relates to the rest of the text?”, or “What is the relevance of this sentence to the theme or main idea of the text?”
Method 3 of 3: Taking Notes
Step 1. Underline or mark sentences that you find interesting with a pen or highlighter
Doing so will automatically encourage you to focus more on these sentences while reading.
- Make sure you only mark sentences that are important and/or interesting. This will make it easier for you to distinguish between information that requires special attention and information that is less important.
- Make sure you only mark books or texts that you own. Don't do this to rare books, books borrowed from the library, or even books borrowed from other people.
Step 2. Make a note at the edge of the text
Write down your reflections on the text or book you are reading on the edge of the book or text. You can also add question marks next to sentences you don't understand, or write a word or two next to sentences that catch your attention.
- For example, you can write captions like “important details” or “exploration of the main theme” in the margins of the text.
- Make sure you only scribble on text or books if you are allowed to do so! Don't scribble on books that don't belong to you.
Step 3. If the text you read cannot be marked, make notes in a separate book
You can also make notes about specific readings in a separate book or a blank sheet of paper. For example, write various quotes that you find interesting in a special book; after that, add your personal note beside it. If you want, you can also include the number of the page containing the quote next to your notes.
- For example, you could make special notes about “important discussions about the book title” or “important moments related to key characters.”
- It's a good idea to write down your notes in a special book so you can come back to them whenever you want. Although you can scribble on the book you're reading, there's nothing wrong with keeping a special book handy to jot down important things.
Step 4. Make a list of questions related to the text you are reading
A good reader will always question the information he reads; let's just say you're having a direct conversation with the text you're reading. As with other direct communication processes, you may ask the meaning of a sentence that makes you confused or curious. Feel free to add questions to your list during the reading process.
- For example, you might ask, “Does this sentence play a role in exploring the main theme of the text? If so, what was the role?”, “Why did the author include this example?”, and “How do I feel as a reader when I read this sentence?”
- Arrange the list of questions in a separate book to make it easier for you to go back to them whenever you want.
Step 5. List the words you don't understand
As the reading progresses, try to identify words whose meanings are unfamiliar to you. After that, try to look up the definitions of these words in the dictionary and understand their context in sentences. Trust me, this method will really help you to understand the information being read.
- If you want, you can always hold the dictionary while reading a text; that way, if there are words you don't understand, you can immediately look up their definitions and meanings.
- Make your own 'dictionary' by writing a list of words you don't understand in a special book.
