| There are two ways to go about speed reading. | | | | Skim through and check all graphs and diagrams. |
| The first way is to organise and prepare well | | | | Add any relevant notes to the map. |
| enough so that you identify beforehand which | | | | Step 5 - First read through |
| parts you DON'T need, and then not read those | | | | Use the chapter list to rule out any areas you |
| parts. The second way is to learn to actually read | | | | definitely DON'T need. |
| quickly. This little guide covers the first way. | | | | Of the ones you do need -- or think you will need |
| Step 1. Preliminary scanning | | | | -- skim them, reading the first and last sentence |
| First of all, flick through the book just so you | | | | of every paragraph. Mark sections that look |
| know what you're dealing with, how long it it, how | | | | relevant with a vertical line. Aim for speed here, |
| small the text is, how many images there are, | | | | don't read, just skim, selecting and rejecting. Don't |
| etc. If it's a pdf you're reading, just hold the down | | | | take notes yet. |
| key. | | | | Step 6 - Second read through |
| Step 2. Recall tests | | | | Go back to the beginning, and go through, ignoring |
| Spend a couple of minutes writing a list | | | | everything except that which you have marked. |
| (keywords only - no sentences) of things that | | | | If you have done this correctly, you should have |
| you ALREADY know. The aim is just to get into | | | | spend 1-2 hrs, perhaps less after practice up to |
| the right gear and to bring relevant existing | | | | now, and you can start reading with more depth |
| knowledge into the front of your memory. | | | | and taking notes. |
| Step 3. Create goals | | | | Step 7 - Third read through |
| You should never start reading without knowing | | | | Go back to the other sheet of paper with your |
| exactly what you want from the book -- unless | | | | original list. Have you answered your questions? |
| you're reading a novel, of course. Write down the | | | | Are there any parts you didn't understand? If you |
| questions you want answered. | | | | can fill your knowledge gaps using the book, go |
| Next, write the name of the book in the middle | | | | through again, looking only at the relevant |
| of a blank sheet of paper and circle it. Then make | | | | sections. |
| a few starting branches of the mind map coming | | | | Doing this should save many hours reading |
| out, as few as you can possibly use to represent | | | | sections that, although interesting, are a waste of |
| the questions you have identified. This will focus | | | | your time because they are not relevant to the |
| your note taking specifically onto what you want | | | | task at hand. Putting your questions into the mind |
| to learn, and help to stop you from going off on | | | | map BEFORE you start reading helps to keep |
| tangents. | | | | your notes relevant too. |
| Step 4 - Graphs | | | | |