How to Improve Reading Comprehension

Vit Vanicek | Posted on September 29, 2022
female student reading in bookstore

If you have a difficult time reading in English, you’re not alone. Reading comprehension is a skill that requires lots of time and effort for everyone, including native English speakers.

Here are a few tips to help you read and understand with ease.

  1. Find books you like. Practice makes perfect. And it’s easier to practice when you enjoy what you are doing!
  2. Read out loud. Reading out loud will help you to understand what you are reading.
  3. Skim the headings of the text. Skimming the headings will let you know the main points of the text. This makes it easier to follow.
  4. Re-read sections that are confusing. Go back and read it again until you understand.
  5. Write down words you don’t know. Look them up in a dictionary later, then try to use them in a sentence.
  6. Discuss what you read with a friend, classmate or teacher. Summarizing what you read in your own words will help you relate to the text and reinforce your understanding.

Some questions to think about:

How many of these tips do you already use?  Which new tips should you add to your reading habit?

Which tips can you use when you read online? Which tips are best for reading a paper book or class handout?

Modified on November 17, 2022