Reading: Strategic Reading
B2 Lesson 2: Adapting Reading Speed & Strategy
Before You Read 🧠
Key Vocabulary
Understanding these concepts is key to becoming a strategic reader.
Warm-up Question
Think about this before you continue: Do you read a Facebook post the same way you read a textbook for a test? Why or why not?
Four Scenarios, Four Strategies
A flexible reader adapts their strategy. Before you read, always ask: 1. What kind of text is this? and 2. Why am I reading it?
Purpose: Deep understanding for an exam.
Strategy: The "Strategic Attack Plan".
- Predict: Use the title to guess the content.
- Skim: Read quickly for main ideas.
- Read for Detail: Read slowly, take notes, and re-read complex parts.
- Summarize: Explain the main points to yourself.
Speed: Varies from very fast to very slow.
Purpose: Entertainment and enjoyment.
Strategy: Immersive Reading.
- Read at a relaxed, steady pace.
- Focus on the characters, plot, and atmosphere.
- Don't worry about memorizing every detail.
Speed: Moderate and consistent.
Purpose: To complete a task correctly.
Strategy: Precise, Step-by-Step Reading.
- Read the entire recipe once for an overview.
- Read Step 1, then perform Step 1.
- Read Step 2, then perform Step 2 (and so on).
Speed: Very slow and deliberate. Accuracy is key.
Purpose: To locate one specific piece of information.
Strategy: Scanning Only.
- Do not read full sentences.
- Let your eyes move quickly down the page, looking only for keywords (e.g., a friend's name).
- Stop only when you find what you're looking for.
Speed: As fast as possible.
Practice Your Strategy 🎯
Quiz: Choose the Best Strategy
1. You are looking at a bus schedule to find the departure time for the last bus to Phnom Penh. What is the best strategy?
- A. Read the entire schedule slowly from top to bottom.
- B. Scan the "Phnom Penh" column for the latest time listed.
- C. Read the schedule for enjoyment at a relaxed pace.
→ Answer: B. Your only purpose is to find one specific detail. Scanning is the most efficient strategy.
2. You are reading a complex legal contract before signing it. What is the best strategy?
- A. Read every word extremely slowly and carefully, re-reading any confusing parts.
- B. Skim the document quickly to get the main idea.
- C. Scan the document for your name.
→ Answer: A. For a legal document, the purpose is 100% comprehension of every detail. A slow, careful reading is required.
Key Vocabulary Reference
- Adapt To adjust or change your strategy to fit a new situation or task.
- Reading Speed How quickly or slowly you read, which should change based on your purpose.
- Reading Strategy A specific, conscious plan for reading a text (e.g., skimming, scanning, close reading).
- Purpose The reason why you are reading a particular text.
Your Reading Mission ⭐
Reflect on Your Reading!
This week, pay close attention to two different reading tasks you do in English (e.g., reading a message from a friend and reading a news article).
- For each task, write down your purpose (e.g., "to understand my friend's plan," "to find three facts for my report").
- Describe the strategy and speed you used for each one.
- Did your strategy fit your purpose? Was it efficient?
Thinking about *how* you read is the first step to becoming a more strategic reader.