Deciding How Much to Bring

to Your Reading

Before you start reading anything, ask yourself, “How much do I

need to bring to my reading?”

How fast you read and the level of concentration you bring to your

reading is really a question of why you read. If you’re reading for

pleasure, read slowly and luxuriate in the words. If time is of the

essence because you’re reading for an exam or important meeting,

you have no choice but to read quickly.

Here are some questions to ask yourself before you decide how

much to bring to what you read.

 ✓ How important is retaining the knowledge I get from this

reading? For example, if you’re exploring a topic that will

advance your career, you need to read with care. For that

matter, you may consider underlining words or writing notes

in the margin. This type of reading requires your utmost con-

centration. On the other hand, if you’re reading a menu, you

can read entirely at your leisure.

 ✓ What do I want to get out of this reading? How you answer

this question determines how fast you read. If your reading has

an important purpose — if you will be tested on what you read

or you need the information for a paper or presentation — you

must read with a higher level of concentration. But if you’re

reading the sports pages of the newspaper or a detective novel,

you can take your sweet time.

 ✓ What type of information is being presented? Facts and

figures require more concentration to absorb. On the other

hand, dialogue is easy to read.