What are academic reading skills and how can be improved? What are the main tools which we can apply to improve our reading skills?

1. Academic Reading
Skills
BY GN Memon

2. What is Academic Reading?
Academic reading is an important skill that is
necessary for academic success.
It involves reading complex academic texts and
being able to comprehend, analyze, and
synthesize information from them.

3. Tools of Reading Skills
•Skimming and Scanning
•Analyzing Text Structures
•Vocabulary Development
•Critical Thinking
•Note-Taking

4. Skimming and Scanning
• Skimming and scanning are two essential academic reading
skills that help readers quickly identify the main ideas and
relevant information in a text. Skimming involves quickly
reading the text to get an overall sense of what it is about.
• Scanning involves quickly looking for specific information,
such as names, dates, or keywords. Skimming and scanning
can be practiced by setting a time limit and practicing on
various academic texts.

5. Analyzing Text Structures
• Academic texts often have complex structures that require
readers to understand the organization of the text. By
analyzing the text structure, readers can better understand
how the information is presented and how it relates to the
main ideas. This can be practiced by identifying the thesis
statement, topic sentences, and supporting evidence in the
text.

6. Vocabulary Development
• Academic texts often contain specialized vocabulary that is
specific to the field of study. Developing a strong vocabulary
is essential for understanding and interpreting academic texts.
This can be practiced by using a dictionary or online resources
to learn new vocabulary and practicing using them in
sentences.

7. Critical Thinking
• Critical thinking is an important skill for academic reading
because it involves evaluating the credibility and reliability of
the information presented in the text. By developing critical
thinking skills, readers can analyze arguments, detect bias,
and make informed judgments about the information
presented in the text. This can be practiced by asking
questions about the text and evaluating the evidence
presented.

8. Note-Taking
•

9. Strategies for Improvement
1. Previewing the Text
2. Active Reading
3. Contextualizing the Text
4. Practice with Different Text Types
5. Seek Feedback

10. 1. Preview the Text
Previewing the text by reading the title,
introduction, and headings can help readers
get an overall sense of what the text is
about.

11. 2. Active Reading
Active reading involves engaging with the
text by highlighting key information, asking
questions, and summarizing important
points.

12. Contextualizing the Text
Understanding the context of the text, such
as the author's background and purpose for
writing, can help readers better understand
the information presented.

13. 4.Practice with Different Text Types
Practicing with a variety of academic texts,
such as research articles, textbooks, and
case studies, can help develop reading skills
for different types of academic materials.

14. 5. Seek Feedback
Getting feedback from peers or instructors
can help identify areas of weakness and
develop targeted strategies for
improvement.

15. Conclusion
Academic reading is an important skill for academic success. By
developing skills such as skimming and scanning, analyzing text
structures, developing vocabulary, critical thinking, and note-
taking, readers can improve their ability to comprehend and
analyze complex academic texts. With regular practice and
targeted strategies for improvement, readers can become more
confident and skilled academic readers.