QA Speed Reading
As adults we have great demands put upon our time. There is work, families and social activities that take out huge portions of our waking hours. It is no surprise that many adults, outside of an academic situation, find that they do not have any time to read. Many adults would list reading as a frivolous activity in which they have no inclination due to the amount of time it takes them to get through a single book. Even students feel the pressure of time as they are faced with tons of homework and required reading. How can there be enough time to study, work and live? Some people have found the answer through speed reading. If you are lucky enough to be gifted with this amazing talent, then it is certain other people have commented on how quickly you are able to consume reading material. If you are unfamiliar with this technique, this article is for you. It will answer some of the common questions about speed reading and hopefully set you on the path to picking up a good book to read.
How do people speed read?
There are a few different methods that some speed readers use in order to increase their reading speed. It is important to note that most speed readers use a variety of methods. Some simply skim the words and the information is simple there. You can think of it in terms of a computer scanner. You lay the book or sheet of paper on the scanner. The image is then sent via a connection to your computer where you process the information.
What is the speed of an average reader?
The average reader may be able to read around two words per second. Now, to get that average and determine the true accuracy of the reading, the test must take into consideration the reading material. Other factors include the testing atmosphere, the comfort of the reader and the overall comprehension abilities of the reader. Opponents of speed reading programs believe that there is not a high enough comprehension rate if the reader does not thoroughly understand the material so test results can be skewed due to this factor.
Are there any records for speed reading?
The World Championship Speed Reading competition says that its top competitors average around 1000 to 2000 words a minute. The comprehension level must be at least fifty percent in order to qualify. Though a contestant may read through the material at a rate of 5000 words a minute, if they are not able to comprehend the material or recall pertinent facts, the test is considered a failure.
Is there a way to learn how to speed read?
Not everyone can speed read. There are no tried and true methods that work for everyone. The best way to learn how to speed read is to practice and study the different methods that speed readers employ. You may be able to learn how to skim through the material for key words and phrases. You can also try to learn how to read the material without silently pronouncing each word in your mind.
I've tried learning how to speed read and I just cannot seem to do it or remember the material. Are some people just gifted with this talent?
There may be several factors working against your desire to learn how to speed read. The first may be that you do not have enough practice or there are too many distractions for you to concentrate. If you do not love to read, no amount of software can make the task easier for you. Some people have a natural affinity for reading and will do better with it than others. It should never be about how fast you can read. It should be about how much information you retain and whether or not you enjoy reading.
|
