How to Improve Reading Skills for Postgraduate Entrance Exams When You're Not Good at English

Are you struggling with reading comprehension for postgraduate entrance exams because your English skills aren't strong? Don't worry, you're not alone! Many students face the same challenge, but with the right strategies, you can improve your reading skills and boost your chances of success. This article will provide you with practical tips and insights to help you tackle reading sections more effectively, even if you consider yourself not good at English. So, let's dive in and explore how you can make progress!

Common Challenges and Solutions

For students who aren't strong in English, reading comprehension for postgraduate entrance exams can seem like a daunting task. The texts are often long, complex, and filled with unfamiliar vocabulary. However, there are ways to overcome these challenges and improve your reading skills. Below are some common questions and answers to help you get started.

Question 1: How Can I Improve My Reading Speed Without Losing Comprehension?

Improving your reading speed is essential for tackling long passages within the time limits of postgraduate entrance exams. However, speed shouldn't come at the cost of understanding. Here’s how you can boost your reading speed while still grasping the content:

• Practice Skimming: Skimming involves quickly reading through a passage to get the main idea. Focus on headings, bold words, and the first and last sentences of each paragraph. This technique helps you grasp the overall structure and key points without getting bogged down in details.
• Use Your Finger or a Pen: Moving your finger or a pen along the text can help you stay focused and prevent your eyes from wandering. This technique also encourages a smoother reading flow, which can increase your speed.
• Eliminate Subvocalization: Subvocalization is the habit of silently pronouncing each word as you read. While it helps with comprehension, it can slow you down. Try to read faster by focusing on recognizing words as whole units rather than sounding them out.
• Read Regularly: Like any skill, reading speed improves with practice. Set aside time each day to read a variety of materials, such as newspapers, articles, and books. Over time, you'll find yourself reading faster and more efficiently.

By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you can gradually increase your reading speed without sacrificing comprehension. Remember, the goal is to find a balance that allows you to read quickly while still understanding the key points of the passage.

Question 2: What Should I Do When I Encounter Unfamiliar Words?

Unfamiliar words can be a major hurdle when reading in English, especially for those who aren't strong in the language. However, there are effective ways to handle these situations without losing your place or comprehension:

• Use Context Clues: Pay attention to the surrounding words and sentences. Often, the context can give you a good idea of the meaning of an unfamiliar word. Look for synonyms, definitions, or examples that might help you understand the word's usage.
• Make Educated Guesses: If you can't figure out the meaning of a word from the context, try to make an educated guess based on your knowledge of the topic. This can help you stay engaged in the passage and continue reading smoothly.
• Keep a Vocabulary List: While you can't carry a dictionary with you during the exam, it's a good idea to keep a list of unfamiliar words you encounter while practicing. Review this list regularly to reinforce your learning.
• Don't Get Stuck: If a single word is stopping you from moving forward, don't spend too much time on it. Make a note of it if you think it's important, but continue reading. You can always return to it later if you have time.

By using these strategies, you can minimize the impact of unfamiliar words and maintain your reading flow. Over time, your vocabulary will expand, making it easier to handle new words without breaking your reading rhythm.

Question 3: How Can I Better Understand the Main Idea of a Passage?

Understanding the main idea of a passage is crucial for answering comprehension questions correctly. Here are some tips to help you identify and grasp the main idea more effectively:

• Look for Topic Sentences: Topic sentences are usually found at the beginning of paragraphs and provide a summary of the main idea. Pay attention to these sentences to get a quick overview of what the paragraph is about.
• Identify Repeated Words and Phrases: Authors often repeat key words or phrases to emphasize the main idea. Notice any recurring terms or concepts, as they are likely central to the passage's message.
• Summarize Each Paragraph: After reading each paragraph, take a moment to summarize its main idea in your own words. This helps reinforce your understanding and makes it easier to recall the information later.
• Ask Yourself Questions: As you read, ask yourself questions like "What is the author trying to convey?" or "What is the most important point the author is making?" This encourages active reading and helps you stay focused on the main idea.

By practicing these techniques, you can become more adept at identifying the main idea of a passage. This will not only help you answer questions more accurately but also make your reading experience more enjoyable and less stressful.