1. Reading Flexibility

Reading Flexibility Reading flexibility is the ability to choose appropriate

reading skill and reading rate to meet one’s reading purpose and to match text type, familiarity with the topic, and the difficulty of the words in the reading text. Reading fast is not the only indicator of successful

reading, but reading flexibility as well.

Characteristics of Flexible Readers They have clear reading goals. They know when they

need to read a text to get the main idea or to get specific details. They adjust their reading pace depending on their

goals and the difficulty of the text.

They are not bothered by difficult words, because

they believe that they can understand the passage even if there are unfamiliar words. They match their reading strategies and reading

goals.

They know that they do not have to read all reading

passages intensively.

They know when to skim, scan, or preview certain

texts.

They read a lot, because they want to learn new

things.

Common Reading Blocks Lack of clear purpose in reading Limited vocabulary Lack of concentration Lack of confidence in one’s reading ability. Limited awareness and use of strategies.

Building Blocks to Reading Efficiency and Effectiveness Goal oriented reading Constant practice Effective strategy use Self-directed reader

Reading Techniques Rapid reading – Fast reading to get the main idea

(skim) or to locate specific information (scan) in a text. e.g. Skimming for the main ideas in an article. Scanning for specific names in a telephone directory.

Reading Techniques Previewing – Surveying to get a bird’s eye view of a

text e.g. Checking books you want to buy by predicting the contents through the title and by checking the synopsis at the back. Getting the overview of a textbook by looking at chapter headings.

Process of Reading Literal reading – Noting and relating details; looking

for context clues; identifying text patterns and development. e.g. Distinguishing relevant from irrelevant points. Using clues to understand meanings of words.

Process of Reading Inferential reading – Drawing conclusions and

predicting outcome based on information in the text. e.g. Guessing motivation of a character in a text using the dialogue or description. Generalizing ideas presented in the text.

Process of Reading Critical reading – Distinguishing facts from opinions

and evaluating tone, implications, and propaganda tools. e.g. Questioning claims made by the author. Expressing opinions about ideas in the text.

REMEMBER: TRY TO FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH THE DIFFERENT SKILLS AND PURPOSES OF READING IN ORDER TO MATCH THEM WITH YOUR OWN PRACTICE IN READING EVEN THOUGH SPEED IS NOT THE NUMBER ONE CRITERION IN EFFECTIVE READING, THE RATE OR PACE YOU READ IS STILL AN IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION ESPECIALLY WHEN TRYING TO COPE WITH YOUR ACADEMIC LOAD.

Source: Plata, S.M., Ranosa-Madrunio, M., Beltran-Montenegro, C., Yu, P., & Calero, E.R. (2005). Keys to critical reading and writing I. Laguna: Trailblazer Publications.