How to Speed Read Novels
Novels are an excellent medium for an introductory speed reader. Proper nouns, which identify the names of characters and settings, stand out on the page and become familiar to the eye and speed up the scanning process. With concentration, practice and testing, anyone can drastically improve their speed of reading while maintaining comprehension and increasing vocabulary.
Instructions
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Take one of the speed tests listed in the Resources section below or simply use a timer to approximate your reading speed. Set a goal for yourself. This will make it much easier to keep practicing.
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Read a few paragraphs or pages for practice. Pay attention to your reading habits. Pronouncing difficult words to yourself in your head, also known as subvocalization, vastly slows down reading. Avoid reading the entire words "aloud" in your mind.
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Fold a blank piece of paper in half and use it as a guide while reading. The eye tends to scan the whole page, slowing down the reading process. Cover the section you are not reading and move the piece of paper down the page as you proceed.
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Try using the guide to isolate a small section of text. Practice "scanning" that section quickly and then checking yourself for comprehension. This is the sensation of your eyes glancing over the material and sending the read information to your brain. If you find this step difficult, try isolating just a few words at a time.
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Tips & Warnings
There are some great exercises online, some of which are listed below. Time yourself regularly. The novel is an excellent form for speed reading. Once you've established the characters' names and the gist of the plot, scanning can be accomplished much faster.
Don't sacrifice comprehension for speed. You must retain what you are reading. If these exercises make your eyes tired or result in headaches, have your vision checked by a professional.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit coders4fun.com, seraphicpress.com, universalclass.com
