While reading, you suddenly realize that you don't know what the book is about. This kind of thing can be frustrating. Anyone would be tempted to close the book without even thinking about reading it again. Resist this urge because dealing with the confusing readings in the book is an important thing for you to do. You can also try to understand your reading better by changing the way you read the book.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Dealing with Confusing Reading
Step 1. Keep reading to see if you can understand it
It's easy to stop at the parts that are confusing. Read the paragraphs before and after the part of the text that you do not understand. If you're still confused, keep reading the next few pages.
Sometimes, putting confusing passages into the broader context of the book will help you reach that “Oh, I see!” moment
Step 2. Reread the confusing part
Read the text at least 2 times, and maybe even 3-4 times. Every time you read it, focus your attention completely on the sentences that confuse your mind. You will find that this extra level of concentration will help clear up your confusion.
Step 3. Break this confusing part down into bullet points
Define the beginning, middle, and end. Know the meaning of the reading as a whole as well as the meaning of each section. Write an outline of the reading on a piece of paper.
Maybe you feel stuck when you read the description of the Aceh War in history books. Write down a timeline containing the starting point, turning point, and ending point of the battle. Alongside the timeline, note how each phase of the battle benefits each other
Step 4. Look for examples in the section
We get confused when books cover complicated terms or ideas. Fortunately, many writers are kind enough to provide examples to illustrate their point. If you don't find an example there, keep reading because the author might post an example after the next few pages.
Step 5. Look for things you don't understand
Maybe you are confused because there are words or references that feel foreign. Use a dictionary, the internet, or even a regional library to check the meaning. This way, you may be able to understand the text you just read more quickly.
- When using the internet, be sure to look for it on a trusted website. Try looking for a site with a.org or.gov extension first. Watch for articles that may contain spelling or grammatical errors.
- Keep a dictionary near you while reading a book. There must be 1 or 2 words you don't recognize!
Step 6. Finish reading the book and return to the confusing part
Don't let the confusing part stop you from reading this book. Just guess what the passage is about and keep reading. You will truly understand the content of the book if you read it from beginning to end!
Write down the page numbers that contain confusing sections of text. After you have read the entire book, go back through the pages and see if you can understand them at this point
Step 7. Ask someone else after you finish the book
If you're still having trouble understanding the confusing part, try asking someone else for help. These people include friends who also read the book, teachers, or family members. If you find that both of you are also confused, there's nothing wrong with working together and discussing the book to seek enlightenment on the confusing part.
Method 2 of 3: Preparing for Success in Reading
Step 1. Find a place that supports your reading activities
By avoiding distractions, you will be able to focus on the book. Choose a place away from the television. Apply silent mode on the phone, and keep it away from your reading position. Make sure there is a lamp or window near you so your eyes don't get tired while reading.
Step 2. Make sure your mind is also ready to focus on the reading
Sometimes it's really hard to get into the realm of reading even if you're already in a comfortable place, with good lighting, and without distractions. If you are not in a hurry to read it, it is better to save the book first and read it at another time. Try choosing a more relaxed time to reopen the book.
For example, you need to know the times that allow you to focus better, such as in the morning, after a workout, or after you've finished all of the day's work
Step 3. Choose a printed paper book instead of an e-book to better understand the content
The brain absorbs stories and information better when you read a printed book out of paper. This is because you can feel the thickness of the book immediately and use your whole body to interact with the book (for example, turning the page) while reading.
It's also fine if you prefer e-books. However, if you are struggling to understand the content of the book, try reading the printed version and making notes of any changes in your understanding
Step 4. Read the book slowly but regularly
Take time to process the things contained in the reading. Set aside at least 20 minutes to 1 hour each day to read. Don't skip reading for days without even looking back at your book. If that happens, you will forget the material you have read before.
When re-reading a book, it can be helpful to remember it by revisiting the last page, paragraph or chapter that you read earlier. Think of this as repetition, similar to a soap opera or television drama that plays briefly what happened in the previous episode at the start of each new episode
Step 5. Recall what you already know before moving on to the new section
When you come to the end of a chapter or section of a book, pause and make sure you understand the main topic and the bullet points in it. If you can remember and understand it well, please continue reading. However, if not, it's a good idea to refresh your memory by going back to the previous page, chapter, or section.
Step 6. Take notes as you read
Always have a notebook with you when you read. Use several different sheets of paper to remember the main characters in the story or key terms, main plot points, questions about the book's big picture, and anything else that puzzles you. Later you can open this note to remember the contents of the book.
This method is very helpful especially for academic texts. However, when reading a book to enjoy the time, stopping often will only disrupt your reading flow
Step 7. Join a book club so you have a discussion group
Talking about a book is a great way to understand its content. Others may notice some things that escape your notice, and vice versa. Talk to friends or visit your local library to join or run a reading club.
You can also find book clubs or discussion forums on the Internet
Method 3 of 3: Digging Deeper Information about Books
Step 1. Find the time of writing the book
It will be easier for you to understand the contents of the book when you also understand the reason behind the writing of the book. Search the Internet for information on major world events that coincided with the writing of this book. Write down the events you find that can be used as a reference sheet in the future.
- It's also important to think about the person who wrote the book. Maybe you read a novel written by someone who is behind bars for expressing an opinion that the government considers dangerous. Think of the dangerous content in this book you are reading.
- This also applies to textbooks, you know! For example, a history textbook in Western countries written in the 1950s might focus heavily on the Cold War.
- You can also read articles about the time periods or situations the book highlights to help you understand better. For example, consider reading articles about the hardships women faced in the early 20th century if you're reading a realist fiction novel featuring a female character in the United States in the 1920s.
Step 2. Also consider the purpose of writing the book
Pay attention to the main lessons the author conveys, of course depending on the overall content of the book. Romantic novels teach readers about love and relationships, and that's what you need to look for when reading. On the other hand, Natural Science textbooks are meant to teach you about a specific subject, usually through key terms, examples, and sometimes stories.
Step 3. Write a summary or analysis of the book
Even if you're not reading a book for schoolwork, consider writing something down about it after you've finished reading it. Make a summary of the book or write it a little longer by adding your own arguments about the significance and quality of the book.
Tips
- Some books take longer to read than others. The cause is often personal preference, as opposed to the notion that the book is “good” or “bad.” Consider why you don't like a book. If the book contains too many descriptions and you prefer dialogue and characters, feel free to skip the large number of pages with descriptions. You can still read it again later.
- If you are an auditory learner, you can listen to the audiobook version.
