How can I improve reading comprehension?

Question

Okay this summer I took this speed reading course that was supposed to teach me comprehension. The program taught by doing tell backs to do understand better. The didn't help my comprhension at all. Anyways I'm in 9th grade World Studies and we usually have to do reading comprehension quizzes from the text. But all I've been doing is get 1/2 of the quiz right. I read the questions over and try them to the best of ability. Everyone else gets 100% on these quizzes except me. I don't know what the problem is...I just can't focus or pay attention to details and I can't absorb any imformation at all or the the main ideas. Are there any ways that could help me improve my comprehension? P.S I need to improve comprehension, vocab, and spelling in a week.

Answer 1

hmmmm...It's hard to say what is going on here. Are you paying attention to class when the teacher is lecturing? Are you reading you're textbook at your "prime time?" Are you concentrating on reading? Do you have a lot of background noises or do you turn on music other than classical when you read? Do you read where it is bright?

If you answered no to any one of the above, then you need to fix that. Your "prime time" is when you feel that you work most efficiently in the day. For example, my "prime time" is in the afternoon around 4. I do all my homework then, and finish it really quickly, whereas I would have a hard time doing it in the morning.

If you answered no to ALL of the questions above, then here are two secrets to all reading comprehension, spelling, vocab, and homework in general. Drumroll please. The secrets are...flash cards and your own copy of the textbook. You can get most textbooks cheap on an online auction site, and flash cards can be found in any old stationary store.

HOW TO USE THESE SECRETS
if you use flash cards, which is by far the very best way to study, get a stack of these cards and write down key vocab words and points that you think are important on the flash cards, spelling them right. These key points can often be found on textbooks and online book summaries. After you wrote all these down, you have committed much more to your memory already by WRITING. Then, take these flashcards, and go say it in front of a mirror. This commits more by SPEAKING. Then, take these cards and TEACH it to your parents, friends, or family. this completes the final step of embedding something in your memory. This write, speak, teach method is confirmed by psychologists. A few days before the exam/quiz, take these cards around you wherever you go. Read em in passing period. Read em in a line. Read em EVERYWHERE

If you use the textbook, just highlight the key points and REREAD.

Answer 2

This suggestion is for helping at home, because due to time constraints, you probably won't be able to do this in the classroom.

Reading comprehension is a difficult task for many readers, because until recently the focus has been on reading fluently and quickly (for tests) but not so much on understanding. After reading a paragraph, jot down on a piece of paper the main points, or some facts you learned from the paragraph. Continue reading until the selection is done. Review YOUR notes and in your mind paraphrase the story. Recapture all of the main points of the story. Have a parent or a tutor make a quiz for you... Using ONLY your notes, try to answer the quiz questions. Continue doing this until you don't have to jot as many things out and they stay with you... or like me, you always read with a steno pad next to you just to keep main ideas in focus.

Its really frustrating, but the important thing is to stay determined. You can do it!

Answer 3

I have those problems too! Its called ADD. Try taking practice tests online. Just practice "Reading Comprehension" tests. On vocab and spelling, use notecards and get someone to help you study so they can help keep you on track.

I have to take reading quizzes just about everday and it isnt easy but i have gotten better throughout the year. The more quizzes I get the more I learn the teachers way of questioning.(But my quizzees are over books I have to read)

Answer 4

You really should talk to the guidance counselor at school. My son has the same problem and he has learning disability. You need to find a good strategy to help you remember.

Try reading the text at home. Make sure there are no distractions so you can concentrate. If this is new material you are seeing for the first time, look for words in bold lettering or italics. These are usually the key words you will need to know.

As far as vocabulary and spelling are concerned, your only option is to spend more time studying. I know that's not what you want to hear, but ....

Look at spelling words and try to find smaller words inside them. For example the word information has IN FOR MA TION(shun). You'll be surprised how this can help you "see" words in your mind.

I know it's hard. But, a person who has to work hard at learning will remember what they have learned for the rest of their life. Good Luck.

Answer 5

My ghost, dear friend, reading improves lot of things. Not only comprehension and or vocabulary, but also; increases knowledge, over all grammar, sentence phrasing, style of writing, helps in knowing new words, etc, etc. Keep reading regularly anything....

Answer 6

I have problems with this sometimes too. This is what I do: After I read a paragraph or two, I stop and ask myself, "What did I just read?" Or I'll tell my parents about what I just read. That helps retatin the information a little more.

Answer 7

THIS IS SOOOO SIMPLE TO FIX!!!

1.Get a book on anything(and I mean ANYTHING) you would LOVE TO KNOW ABOUT.

It makes nooo difference what it is, o.k.....and read it.

Then get another...and read it....do this till you feel you KNOW you have certainly Read the books...and its subject...on your favourite thing .

Trust me, it works...Then you will be able to focus more on school stuff.

Your mind is not conditioned to read and absorb...So do what I say, and you will be fine.

Answer 8

Keep practicing....