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METHOD Guide ON BOOKS. 2012 - 2013.doc
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2.5. Read the extract and answer the questions. How fast can you read?

The average college student reads everything at more or less the same speed of 200 to 300 words a minute. However, recent experiments have shown that a person can read 800 – 1,000 words and some researchers have noted even higher speeds (up to 1,200 words). To make this possible several techniques exist. These include skimming (to understand the main points), scanning (to pick out specific details), and intensive reading (to study and retain the maximum).

The good reader adapts the speed of reading to his purpose. He will judge what particular information is wanted, and how long the information will have to be retained. Unfortunately immediate human memory has the drawback that it retains only six to eight disconnected items. This means that information must be processed and organized at the same speed that it is received. The reader devises a mental scheme for rearranging items of information. At this moment he is thinking for himself of those parts of the sentence he has missed. Reading then becomes externally guided thinking. Slow word-for-word reading, on the other hand, presents several problems, especially for the language learner. Owing to attention to details the overall picture is lost and a lot of time is spent in looking up unknown words in the dictionary. Quite contrary to expectation, experiments have shown that fast reading has several advantages: comprehension is higher, the main ideas can be isolated and the student is not held up by unknown vocabulary and can be trained to read simplified texts from the start.

Answer the questions:

  1. How fast does the average college student read?

  2. What is the highest speed noted by some researchers?

  3. How many reading techniques are mentioned in the text?

  4. What are they?

  5. What are the qualities of a good reader?

  6. What drawback does the immediate human memory have?

  7. How can fast reading be improved?

  8. What problems are connected with slow word-for-word reading?

  9. Does fast reading have any advantages for the language learner?

  10. What conclusions can be drawn from the article?

  11. Is the author against slow reading?

  12. Do you agree with the author’s view?

  13. What's your opinion?

  14. Can you give some facts to support your argument?

  15. How fast can you read in English (in Ukrainian)?

  16. What reading techniques do you find most suitable?

  17. In what way do you keep a record of the information you need? (files, cards, notes)

  18. Can you read English texts very fast with comprehension?

  19. Do you use the same techniques when reading a Ukrainian or Russian text?

  20. Does the speed of reading depend on the type of text?

Task 3

3.1. Pre-discussion

You’re going to read about people who can’t read and write. Think about the topic of reading and writing using the questions below.

• In your country, are there many adults who can’t read and write?

• What are the reasons why some adults can’t read and write?

• What problems do adults have when they can’t read or write?

• How can adults get help with reading and writing?

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