How to better comprehend what you read

Have you ever had any trouble comprehending what you have read? A lot of people have this problem and they don't know what to do to help themselves. Here are a few steps to take to better comprehend what you read.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Book
• Patience

1. 
   Turn off the television!

   When reading a book, no matter what book it is, you must be completely focused on that book. A large number of people wonder why they can't comprehend what they are reading, but at the same time they have the television on and are watching something at the same time. This is a good way to not remember a word of what you read.

2. Take your time! Unless you are being tested and have a small amount of time, there is no reason to rush through and simply skim the pages. Skimming makes you get done fast, but it's almost impossible to fully comprehend this way.

3. Take a lot of breaks. Even if you love the book you are reading, taking a short break is absolutely necessary to be at your maximum comprehension level. Take a 10 minute break and then come back to the book.

4. After a certain amount of pages (or after a chapter), take some time to pause and reflect on the main points of what you have just read. Let your mind digest all the information you have taken in.

5. 
   Use highlighters often!

   Highlight or underline important parts of the book or parts that you have a question about. This allows you to come back to them and revisit them when your mind is fresh.

Tips & Warnings

• Be patient and don't expect to comprehend every single sentence of the book fully.
• Don't read too many books at once, rather let your mind focus on the meaning of one specific thing.

[SeventhSibling]

on 9/2/2008 Great advice for readers of all ages.

[razvand]

on 8/27/2008 Good tip about making breaks even if you like the book. I just read a book that I couldn't put don't because I liked it so much. Now, I'll remember what you said.

5 stars for this

I embrace you,
Razvan

[imagery]

on 8/26/2008 Good Advice!

[Melanierose]

on 8/23/2008 I like the highlighting part, I normally do this or even jot notes down and thinkers.

[Pixie1976]

on 8/23/2008 Thanks for the tips on reading comprehension. You're right, being in a hurry makes it hard to remember.