To improve your reading, you need to identify what the problem really is. Here are 8 common areas that need improvement:

• vocabulary
• spelling
• grammar
• test taking skills
• cultural and other topic knowledge
• types of text knowledge
• addiction to dictionary
• vocalization / subvocalization

1 Vocabulary – expand your vocabulary by learning the meanings of more words

2 Spelling – recognize the printed words faster by reading and writing more

3 Grammar – get a good grammar book and familiarize yourself with grammatical structures of the English language

4 Test Taking Skills – learn time management and other effective test taking skills

5 Cultural and other topic knowledge – read on a variety of topics, including what is popular in Canadian culture

6 Types of text knowledge – familiarize yourself with various types of texts (articles, emails, newspaper classified ads, memos, notices, etc.)

7 Addiction to dictionary – reading a text without a dictionary teaches your brain to focus on the message

8 Vocalization / subvocalization – read with your eyes and your brain, not with your mouth and voice

NOTES:

Vocabulary

To remember the new vocabulary, you must USE it.

Spelling

Writing (copying) the new words is the best way to learn spelling.

Grammar

Some grammatical structures are used a lot, while some are rare. It’s important to be able to recognize the frequently used ones right away.

Test Taking Skills

Always start by reading the quiz questions and only then read the text looking for the answers.

Cultural and other topic knowledge

A text could be difficult to understand if it deals with a cultural concept unfamiliar to you.

Types of text knowledge

Knowing the structure of a letter, email, job advertisement, etc. helps you read it twice as fast.

Addiction to dictionary

The first time you read a text, do so without a dictionary. Underline the new words but don’t stop reading till you’ve reached the end. The second reading should be done with a dictionary.

Vocalization / Subvocalization

Your mind is much faster than your mouth. Do not say the words while reading. Move your eyes but don’t move your head. Use your finger or a pen to help your eyes stay on the lines and move forward.

Read next:

How to Read Faster

When Reading English is Dangerous

Reading Food Labels – your Health

Speaking Skills

Listening Skills

Writing Skills