Why Use Different Reading Methods
You don't need to read every book the same way. Reading a novel for enjoyment is fundamentally different from reading a technical book to gain knowledge. By using different reading methods according to your purpose, you can achieve maximum results with limited time.
Reading purposes can be broadly classified into three categories.
- Information gathering: Quickly finding specific knowledge or solutions
- Learning: Deeply understanding and retaining new concepts or skills
- Entertainment: Enjoying stories and writing
Reading Techniques by Purpose
Skimming (for Information Gathering)
A technique for quickly grasping the overall structure of a book. Focus on the table of contents, the beginning and end of each chapter, bold text, and figures. You can grasp the full picture of a book in about 10 minutes and identify sections to read more deeply.
Scanning (for Information Gathering)
A technique for finding specific keywords or information. Utilize the index and read only the necessary sections pinpoint. Effective for research and reference.
Close Reading (for Learning)
A method of carefully reading each sentence and deeply understanding the content. Suitable for reading difficult technical books and important original texts. It takes time, but ensures reliable understanding.
Practicing Active Reading
Passively following text alone won't retain most of the content. Active reading means reading while actively engaging with the book.
Specific Practice Methods
Before reading: Check the table of contents and clarify what you want to learn. Organize what you already know and what you want to know.
While reading:
- Note questions and insights
- Underline important passages (use sticky notes for borrowed books)
- Consider your own opinions on the author's arguments
- Summarize content in your own words while reading
After reading: Review the whole and organize the insights gained.
Utilizing Reading Notes
Recording what you've read deepens understanding and makes knowledge easier to apply later.
How to Write Effective Reading Notes
- Bibliographic information: Record title, author, and date completed
- Summary: Summarize the book's main theme in about 3 lines
- Memorable quotes: Copy passages that resonated with you
- Your thoughts: Note opinions or questions about the content
- Action plan: Write specifically how you'll apply what you learned
Digital tools or paper notebooks are fine, though research suggests handwriting is more memorable.
Making Reading a Habit
Even if you master reading techniques, they're meaningless without continuation. The key to habit formation is starting small.
- Read for just 10 minutes at a set time every day
- Always carry a book and utilize spare time
- Record days read rather than pages read
Summary
Efficient reading isn't about reading fast. It's about choosing reading methods according to purpose, actively engaging with books, and organizing and applying the knowledge gained. Grasp the whole with skimming, understand deeply with active reading, and retain knowledge with reading notes. By combining these three, the value gained from reading greatly increases. For your next book, start by clarifying your purpose.