Learning Lists for Science 2
How to Read Better and Faster

Abstract

This page is a checklist of ways of reading better and faster

© Dr M D Magee
Contents Updated: Wednesday, 03 December 2003

A. Reading Problems

1. Too slow
2. Can’t concentrate
3. Don’t remember.

B. Better Reading

1. Need for active reading: use POPQR³.
2. Look for main ideas—key sentence in each paragraph:
   • first sentence
   • last sentence
   • sometimes none, eg novels, general description.
3. Look for important details:
   • clarification, examples, evidence, proofs
   • at least one to each main idea
   • study all the illustrations, graphs, diagrams, etc.
     • ideas/evidence not mentioned in text
     • teach better than words—replace words
     • aid understanding
     • visual—help memory.
4. Guidance to main ideas/details:
   • visual signposts
     • italics, bold type, underlines
     • numbering and lettering.
   • verbal signposts
     • link words/phrases eg for instance, however.
5. Evaluate text:
   • Be skeptical:
     • are facts correct?
     • are facts and opinions distingushed?
     • any limitations?
     • any exceptions?
     • any contradictions?
     • any counter arguments?
     • does conclusion follow from evidence?
     • any equally valid conclusions?
     • do you agree with the argument?
   • Is it useful?
     • can you apply it?
     • does it tie in with experience?
     • any useful analogies?
6. don’t ignore difficulties even if you skip them at first reading:
   • Why not?
     • undermines confidence
     • hinders further learning
   • Work on it:
     • read again
     • refer to other books
     • discuss with colleagues
     • make a note to ask tutor.

C. Faster Reading

1. Faster reading improves comprehension.
2. Five basic steps:
   • do you need specs?
   • stop saying words mentally
   • force yourself to read faster
     • broaden recognition span
     • reduce fixations
     • don’t look back
     • read twice at speed not once slowly.
   • read in thought-units—related words
   • improve vocabulary
     • read widely
     • look up new words
     • note their meaning
     • use them as soon as possible
     • make a glossary of technical words.
3. Practice
   • 15-20 minutes each night
   • start on light, short, magazine articles
   • time yourself—find words per minute
   • check, comprehension—recall main ideas
   • keep progress chart
   • read all study material faster—but vary pace:
     • faster for light material
     • faster in seeking main ideas
     • slower for complex arguments
     • slower in seeking details.

Reference

• D Rowntree, How to Study, chapter 5

Skeptical Resources—Internet infidels | Jesus Never Existed | Steven Carr’s Website | Christianism | Early Christian Writings | God is Imaginary | “Religion Detoxification” | Our Judaio-Christian Heritage | Jesus is a Myth | No Deity | No Beliefs | Evil Bible | Bible God | ex-Christians | Jesus Police | Islamic Faith Freedom | Atheist Experience | American Atheists | Jovial Atheist | Askwhy! books
Other Resources—Early Christian Docs | Resources for Study | Traditional Bible-History | Traditional Bible World History | Traditional Bible History | about.com biblical history | Apologetics web sites | Advent Ch Fathers | Orion center links | Wikipedia | Traditional Jewish History

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Other Websites or Blogs

• God’s Own Summary of the Bible—Magi Mike’s Blog
  I explain here in a criticism of a book by F S Collins: “We will see that Christ gave two answers when asked for the most important commandment, and the reason is that the two… ”
  Magi Mike’s Blog—http://mikemagee.wordpress.com/.
• AskWhy! Blogger at Blogspot.

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Before you go, think about this…

Jesus claimed to be God contrary to the scriptures. God asserted in no uncertain tones in Isaiah that he was God and beside him was no savior. JC was therefore committing blasphemy and deserved to die according to Jewish law. That is what Jews, who were there at the time said, and they do not believe Jesus was the messiah still.