Free Download CBSE Papers: How to Become an Active Reader

Become an Active Reader

I urge you to quiz yourself on written material to ascertain how well you retain it. If this doesn’t work, try asking the questions before you read the material.

For instance, even though I have been an avid reader throughout much of my academic life, I had some trouble with the reading comprehension sections of standardized tests the first couple of times I attempted them. Why? I think I had a tendency to rush through these sections.

Then someone suggested to me that I read the questions before I read the passage. Presto! Great scores in reading comprehension (765 points on my verbal SAT for all of you doubters!).

While you won’t always have such a ready-made list of questions, there are other sources—the summaries at the beginnings of chapters or the synopses in tables of contents. Pay attention to these.

This technique will train your mind to hone in on those important details when they arise in the story. It would also be a good idea to ask yourself these questions immediately after you finish the chapter. It will help you decide whether you “got” the important points of the chapter and help you retain the information longer.

CBSE Sample Papers for Class 1 to 12

CBSE Worksheets for Class 1 to 12

Understand, Don’t Memorize

Approach any text with the intent of understanding it rather than memorizing it. Understanding is a key part of memorization. Don’t stop the flow of information during your reading (other than to under- line and take notes). Go back and memorize later.

Organize the Material

Our minds crave order. Optical illusions work because the mind is bent on imposing order on every piece of information coming in from the senses. As you read, think of ways to organize the material to help your mind absorb it.

I always liked diagrams with single words and short phrases connected with arrows to show cause-and-effect relationships. Or I would use a special mark (a triangle) to highlight in texts the reasons things occurred.

Develop Good Reading Habits

It’s difficult for anyone to remember what he read at 3 a.m. or while waiting to go on the biggest date of his life. Set aside quiet time when you’re at your best. Are you a morning person? Then wake up early to do your reading. Do you get going at 6 p.m.? Then get your read- ing done before heading out to dinner.

Don’t forget to use your dictionary to look up terms you don’t understand.

CBSE Question Papers for Class 1 to 12

CBSE Test Papers for Class 1 to 12

Why We Forget

As you think about the elements of developing good memory, you can use them to address why you forget. The root of poor memory is usually found in one of these areas:

We fail to make the material meaningful.
We did not learn prerequisite material.
We fail to grasp what is to be remembered.
We do not have the desire to remember.
We allow apathy or boredom to dictate how we learn.
We have no set habit for learning.
We are disorganized and inefficient in our use of study time.
We do not use the knowledge we have gained.

All of us are inundated with information every day, bombarded with facts, concepts, and opinions. We are capable of absorbing some information simply because the media drench us with it. In order to retain most information, we have to make a concerted effort to do so. We must make this same effort with the material we read.

In Case You Forgot

Each time you attempt to read something that you must recall, use this six-step process to ensure you’ll remember:

1. Evaluate the material and define your purpose for reading. Identify your interest level and get a sense of how difficult the material is.

2. Choose appropriate reading techniques for the purpose of your reading.

3. Identify the important facts. Remember what you need to. Identify associations that connect the details you must recall.

4. Take notes. Use your own words to write a synopsis of the main ideas. Use an outline, diagram, or concept tree to show relationships and patterns. Your notes provide an important backup to your memory. Writing down key points will further reinforce your ability to remember.
5. Review. Quiz yourself on those things you must remember. Develop some system by which you review notes at least three times before you are required to recall. The first review should be shortly after you’ve read the material, the second a few days later, and the final one just before you are expected to recall. This process will help you avoid cram sessions.
6. Implement. Find opportunities to use the knowledge you have gained. Study groups and class discussions are invaluable opportunities to implement what you’ve learned.