Read Actively, Not Passively

Comprehension drops when your eyes move but your mind does not. To understand a text, you need purpose: What is the author arguing? What is the main idea here? What evidence supports it?

Questions
before and during reading are one of the fastest ways to improve comprehension

Pause and Summarise Often

After each paragraph or section, stop and explain the main idea in your own words. This forces your brain to organise meaning instead of just recognising words on the page.

1

Preview

Skim headings and key terms before reading deeply.

2

Question

Ask what the paragraph is trying to explain or prove.

3

Summarise

Restate the main idea in plain language after each section.

4

Review

Return later and test yourself on the key ideas from memory.

Slow Down on Dense Material

Some texts are not meant to be skimmed quickly. If the material is dense, read smaller chunks and spend more time checking understanding. Slowing down can actually save time by reducing confusion later.

Build Vocabulary in Context

Unknown words hurt comprehension, but you do not need to stop for every one. First try to infer the meaning from context, then confirm only the words that seem essential to the paragraph’s meaning.

Use Notes to Support Meaning

Short margin notes, cue questions, and summary lines all improve comprehension because they force active processing. Good notes capture the meaning of the text, not just its wording.