How to Fully Comprehend What You Read
Comprehension is one of the main reasons people read. Whether it's a novel or a textbook, the goal is to learn something new and be able to remember it later. Some types of texts are easier to understand than others. If you are not an avid reader, you may find general comprehension difficult. However, there are methods you can use to improve comprehension so you can gain a complete understanding of what you have read.
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Instructions
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Preview material. Read the book's inside cover or the back for reviews and book summaries. Skim a textbook's chapter outlines before you begin reading so you will know what kind of information is being presented. These techniques help you get your mind focused on the topic.
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Become an active reader. Engage with the material by applying comprehension strategies as you go. Make predictions, compare and contrast situations with your prior experiences and immerse yourself in the story. Comprehension requires effort. Passive readers rarely have a full understanding when they complete a book.
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Summarize what you read. Write down the main ideas, names of characters and the central plot and setting. If you're reading an informative text, write down the main facts you learned after each section. Review them later to help you retain the information.
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Pay attention to visual aids like maps, charts, timelines and pictures. Read the captions. They usually contain important facts. Visual reminders are effective tools for strengthening comprehension because they stand out in your mind, making them easier to recall.
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References
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