Reading is a vital cognitive skill used for language acquisition, communication, and information sharing, involving techniques like skimming and scanning to enhance comprehension. Skimming provides a general idea of texts, while scanning seeks specific information efficiently. A balanced reading diet includes various types of reading, such as goal, inspirational, professional, and fun reading, to support personal and professional growth.

1. READING

2. • Reading is a complex cognitive process of
decoding symbols in order to construct or
derive meaning (reading comprehension). It is
a means of language acquisition, of
communication, and of sharing information
and ideas.
• Reading can be silent (in our head) or aloud
(so that other people can hear).
• Reading is a receptive skill - through it we
receive information.

3. Four Language Skills
• Listening
• Speaking
• Reading
• Writing

4. Why do we read?
• The reading that you do for your studies is
often different from reading for leisure.

5. Reading Techniques

6. Skimming
• Skimming reading quickly in order to find out
what the text is about. Skimming can also take
in features such as headings, subheadings and
illustrations to obtain an overview of the
subject matter.

7. • Skimming is one of the tools you can use to
read more in less time.
• Skimming refers to looking only for the
general or main ideas, and works best with
non-fiction (or factual) material.
• Skimming is useful when you want to survey a
text to get a general idea of what it is about.

8. How to skim?
1.) Look at the title, subheadings, pictures,
diagrams and whatever else stands out on the
page.
2.) Read the first and last paragraphs of the
chapter in full.

9. 3.) Read the first sentence of each paragraph.
4.) Read words, sentences or phrases in bold or
italic type.
5.) Try to read the text quickly, but pay attention
to what you pick up in the process.

10. Scanning
• Scanning is another useful tool for speeding
up your reading. Unlike skimming, when
scanning, you look only for a specific fact or
piece of information without reading
everything.
• Scanning is done to locate specific
information, making use of key words.

11. • For scanning to be successful, you need to
understand how your material is structured as
well as comprehend what you read so you can
locate the specific information you need.
• Scanning also allows you to find details and
other information in a hurry.

12. How to Scan?
1.) The material you scan is typically arranged in
the following ways: alphabetically,
chronologically, non-alphabetically, by category,
or textually.
2.) Learning to use your hands while scanning is
very helpful in locating specific information.

13. 3.) Your peripheral vision can also help you scan
effectively.
4.) Keep the concept of key words in mind while
scanning. Your purpose will determine the key
words.
5.) You scan when your aim is to find specific
pieces of information.

14. Receptive Reading
• This is used when you need a good general
understanding or to discover accurately what
has been written. It may also be used to give
you food for thought, or prompt you to think
creatively and reflectively.

15. • When reading receptively, you need time to
pay close attention to the text, perhaps
allowing for periods in which to reflect on
what you have read, working through the text
in sequence, at a moderate speed.
• Also take appropriate notes.

16. Critical Reading
• Critical reading is a form of language analysis
that does not take the given text at face value,
but involves a deeper examination of the
claims put forth as well as the supporting
points and possible counterarguments.

17. • Critical reading means that a reader applies
certain processes, models, questions, and
theories that result in enhanced clarity and
comprehension.
• A critical reading gets at "deep structure" ,
that is, logical consistency, tone, organization,
and a number of other very important
sounding terms.

18. • Critical reading involves using logical and
rhetorical skills.

19. What does it take to be a critical
reader?
1. Prepare to become part of the writer's
audience.
2. Prepare to read with an open mind.
3. Consider the title.
4. Read slowly.
5. Use the dictionary and other appropriate
reference works.

20. 6. Make notes.
7. Keep a reading journal.

21. READING DIET

22. Kevin Eikenberry
(http://blog.kevineikenberry.com) proposed a
model of a balanced reading diet. It’s like the
balanced food diet which has different
components.

23. • He said : “Rather than thinking of a reading
diet in a daily way, as you will see, I encourage
you to think of it in a weekly way. Even so,
making time to read at least a little each day is
an important component to a successful life,
and doing it consistently and daily is a habit
shared by most high achievers in any field.”

24. The Parts of a Reading Diet
• Goal Reading. These are the materials you are
reading to help you reach a major or
important life goal.
• Inspirational Reading. Each day make time to
read something that inspires or lifts your mind
and attitude.
• Professional Reading. This is the reading you
need to do for your work or profession to stay
up with industry trends and information.

25. • Current Reading. This is the news and
current events – coming from a
newspaper or the web.
• Serendipitous Reading. This is reading
from unexpected sources, meant to
provide new ideas and creative thought.
• Fun Reading. This is whatever you read
for fun.

26. • Light Reading. This might be celebrity
news, much of your social media
consumption or other light reading that
doesn’t provide any nutritional value but
fills up our mind (and time) and keeps us
from the healthy inputs our brain needs.