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.
How is speed reading measured?
Speed reading is measured by timing the reader as he or she reads through a selection of material. After the time is up the reader will be tested on his or her overall comprehension of the material. If they make less than 50% of the questions then that test is considered a failure.
Speed reading is difficult to test because a large part of the comprehension depends on the reader's interest. A text book may be difficult to quickly read as there is strange terminology or a lack of interest on the participants' behalf.
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.
How do the software programs work?
Some software programs boast that their methodologies can double a person's rate of reading and comprehension. Most programs utilize different methods of reading such as chunking or skimming the text. It teaches the reader how to identify key words and to skip unimportant words such as "and" in order to increase their reading speed.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Languages
By: rochester | 26-05-2008
How many languages are read from right to left and which ones are they?
Look I was arrested for having sex with my 15 year ...
By: Ravenn666 | 04-04-2008
Look I was arrested for having sex with my 15 year old girl friend she'll be 16 in may this year, the officer questioned me and my girlfriend before either of us were read our right to remain silent and so forth, does this mean that my prior statement to them will be held from court. My e-mail i liquid_venom2004@yahoo.com, name the e-mail as Court Based, and i'll recieve your suggestions, and for those of you who might wonder no it was not rape, it was consensual, and we happen to have a 3month old daughter who happens to be absolutely beautiful, please help a guy out, any suggestions as to what to do would help. My ariegnment is the 10th of this month.
The police asked if they could search my sons car ...
By: laylow | 03-04-2008
the police asked if they could search my sons car, he said No, they then pushed him and hit him in the chest and then asked to search the car again, my son was arrested for an unopened container in the trunk of his car, his car was parked not even driving. Officers said someone called about a parked car he was in. They never read him his rights and they like harassing him, what can i do about that? and not keep getting harassed if i complain?
The police asked if they could search my sons car ...
By: laylow | 03-04-2008
the police asked if they could search my sons car, he said No, they then pushed him and hit him in the chest and then asked to search the car again, my son was arrested for an unopened container in the trunk of his car, his car was parked not even driving. Officers said someone called about a parked car he was in. They never read him his rights let alone did they follow California Law, what can i do about that?
How can I see serial tranfering/recieving data on ...
By: arvindr | 27-03-2008
How can I see serial tranfering/recieving data on standard input through console command?
Harry Potter in how many languages?
By: rebecca.young | 03-02-2008
How many languages has the book Harry Potter been translated into?
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Education Articles
Nursing Entrance Test, Test Anxiety and Stress
By: ROBYN KNAPP | 05/09/2008
What is the Nursing Entrance Test? The test evaluates areas that are essential for academic success including basic math skills up to beginning algebra and reading comprehension. The Nursing Entrance Test must be passed with a score that is dictated by the community college or university. Some nursing schools require...
Perfect Conditions Make for Perfect Storms - How Hurricanes Form
By: Mark Decherd | 04/09/2008
If you've ever wondered why hurricanes arrive like clockwork during "hurricane season," it's because conditions are just right. With the warm waters of late summer, low pressure systems, and other conditions in place, hurricanes are born.
In the Land of Giants: Argentinosaurus, Puertasaurus and Futalognkosaurus
By: Martha Vasquez | 04/09/2008
Patagonia has become synonymous with 'giant' discoveries of the prehistoric world. Dinosaurs that dwarf their contemporaries are found here frequently and paleontologists are flocking to the region to unearth them.
Giganotosaurus, the largest carnivorous dinosaur at 45-feet-long, was dug up in this region along with a number of other massive Sauropods...
Chasing Dinosaurs: Where to Look For Fossils
By: A Nutt | 04/09/2008
Dinosaurs have long been a source of fascination and the inspiration for many stories and scientific explorations. Fossilized dinosaur bones have been discovered in different parts of the world for centuries, with the first scientifically recorded specimen called Megalosaurus unearthed near Oxford in 1824 by William Buckland.
Since then paleontologists and...
How to Choose a Custom Fit Tailored Dress Shirt?
By: Wes Fernley | 04/09/2008
The first step in choosing your custom fit tailored dress shirt is to select a color and style of shirt. If you are a more conservative dresser or work in a strict office environment, traditional colors such as light blue and white will be your best bet. Typically conservative dress shirts are solid in color as well: no stripes or patterns. A standard collar will also be preferred
Learning English Will Help You Gain Skills and Enhance Your Knowledge
By: Amy Nutt | 04/09/2008
One of the best possible things you can do to improve yourself and make you more appealing to your current and future employers is to learn a second language. Learning any second language can and will have many benefits, but learning English as a second language could have benefits that...
Dinosaur Extinction: One Giant Mystery
By: A Nutt | 04/09/2008
Many different species in the history of life on this planet have simply ceased to be. Gone but not forgotten these strange animals leave evidence of their existence entombed in the sedimentary layers of the earth's crust. As fascinating as these fossilized discoveries are, what's even more fascinating is the...
Top 7 Back to School Tips for Parents
By: Laura Watkins | 03/09/2008
Kids aren't the only ones who struggle with the back to school transition; adjusting to a child's back to school routine and related events can be stressful and taxing for parents as well.
Education 
| Posted: 25-02-2008 | Comments: 
