Have you ever read a paragraph of a book and then realized you didn't understand a word? It's a common problem, but it's also solvable. It's time to psychologically prepare to give the best of your concentration skills!
Steps
Step 1. Choose a book you really want to read
You are already halfway there if you read something that attracts your interest and excites you.
Step 2. Read the first chapter slowly
Do not rush. If there is a paragraph or phrase you like, read it again. Take your time.
Step 3. Make a comparison
Compare your understanding of the first chapter to a summary or analysis on the internet. Keep doing this with the other chapters if you find it useful.
Step 4. Use annotations to help you
After reading a couple of chapters and you are in the thick of the story, write down the names and characteristics of the main characters. If you can really get to know the characters, you will be able to relate to them better. Use a notepad.
Step 5. Read on
Follow the pace you want and take breaks when you start to feel tired.
Step 6. Reflect on your feelings
When you get to the end of a chapter or the book itself, take a minute to think about the feelings the book has caused you. You are sad? Happy? Confused and bewildered or enthusiastic and inspired? Depressed? Upset? Think about it, and use as many adjectives as possible to define your status. By doing this, you are thoroughly analyzing your impressions of the book and enhancing your learning skills to help you metabolize the various meanings of the book.
Step 7. Make a plot map
Summarize the main points of each chapter in a few lines. It will help you see the full storyline clearly.
Step 8. Use audio aids to help you
If you can, listen to the story in an audio version. It's always a fun activity, and if you're a good listener, you'll likely be able to better decipher and grasp the meaning. Practice the crucial topic or part of the book in real life. You can also develop the story in the essays you write.
Step 9. Try starting in the middle of the book and go back if you come to a plot detail that you can't understand
For example, the first chapter of The Hobbit is terribly boring. From the second chapter onwards, the book is extremely interesting: it deals with, among other things, dragons, giant spiders, elves and a ring of power that makes the wearer invisible. However, if you start with the first chapter, you may find it difficult to continue reading.
Advice
- Read in a calm and peaceful environment, unless you have exceptional concentration skills. If you read in class or at the bus stop, chances are you can't understand what you read.
- Read slowly so you can enjoy the story.
- If a paragraph is difficult to understand, read it as many times as you want to get the general meaning of the paragraph.
- Some books take longer to get to the heart of the story. It often depends on personal preference rather than the book whether it is "good" or "ugly". Analyze the reasons why you don't like it. If it's full of descriptions and you prefer character dialogue and actions, feel free to skip large parts of these boring passages. You can always take them back later.
- If you want to dig deeper to grasp the symbolic meaning, try taking courses or reading literature manuals.
- A good rule of thumb is: if you've read about 10% of a book you don't like very much, put it away and find something else you'll enjoy reading. However, if you read it for a school assignment, sadly you will have to go over 10%!
