types of reading

1. Skimming

• Definition: Skimming is the act of rapidly moving your eyes over the text to get a general idea of the content without focusing on details (Williams, 1983).
• Scholar: Williams, 1983
• Description: Skimming allows the reader to quickly identify the main ideas or themes in a text, focusing on headings, subheadings, and highlighted words.
• Example: Skimming through a magazine to understand the main articles without reading the entire content.

2. Scanning

• Definition: Scanning is a reading technique used to look for specific information or keywords in a text (Nuttall, 1996).
• Scholar: Nuttall, 1996
• Description: The reader moves their eyes quickly down the page searching for a specific word or phrase. This is particularly useful when looking for a name, date, or specific fact in a text.
• Example: Scanning a job advertisement to find the application deadline.

3. Intensive Reading

• Definition: Intensive reading is reading in detail with specific learning aims, focusing on language features such as grammar and vocabulary (Brown, 2007).
• Scholar: Brown, 2007
• Description: This method requires deep engagement with the text, such as studying academic material, articles, or literary texts in detail. It is often used to build specific skills or knowledge.
• Example: Reading a research paper or an academic textbook to prepare for an exam.

4. Extensive Reading

• Definition: Extensive reading is the practice of reading large amounts of text for general comprehension and pleasure without focusing on every detail (Day & Bamford, 1998).
• Scholar: Day & Bamford, 1998
• Description: This approach helps build reading fluency and speed. It is often recommended for language learners to improve vocabulary and overall understanding without stopping to focus on every unfamiliar word.
• Example: Reading a novel or short story in a foreign language for enjoyment.

types of reading

5. Critical Reading

• Definition: Critical reading involves reading with the purpose of evaluating and analyzing the content, arguments, and ideas presented in the text (Wallace, 2003).
• Scholar: Wallace, 2003
• Description: Readers engage with the text by questioning the author’s perspective, checking for biases, and assessing the evidence provided. This method is crucial in academic settings where students are expected to critique scholarly works.
• Example: Reading a political essay and evaluating the strength of its arguments and evidence.

6. Analytical Reading

• Definition: Analytical reading is the process of dissecting a text to understand its deeper meaning, structure, and arguments (Adler & Van Doren, 1972).
• Scholar: Adler & Van Doren, 1972
• Description: This method is similar to critical reading but focuses more on breaking down the elements of the text such as its structure, rhetorical devices, and arguments. It’s often used in literary analysis and critical essays.
• Example: Analyzing a classic novel like Moby Dick to understand its themes, narrative techniques, and character development.

7. Speed Reading

• Definition: Speed reading is a method used to increase reading speed while maintaining an acceptable level of comprehension (Buzan, 2003).
• Scholar: Buzan, 2003
• Description: Techniques such as minimizing subvocalization and widening eye span are employed to process more words per minute. It’s often used when readers need to go through large amounts of material in a short time.
• Example: Using speed reading techniques to finish a large document for work under a tight deadline.

types of reading

8. Proofreading

• Definition: Proofreading is the process of reading a text carefully to find and correct errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and formatting (McLaughlin, 2007).
• Scholar: McLaughlin, 2007
• Description: It’s a meticulous form of reading where every word and punctuation mark is scrutinized to ensure the text is error-free. This is common in editing and publishing.
• Example: Proofreading an essay before submission to ensure there are no spelling or punctuation errors.

9. Literal Reading

• Definition: Literal reading involves understanding the exact meaning of the text without interpreting or inferring deeper meanings (Thompson, 1996).
• Scholar: Thompson, 1996
• Description: This type of reading focuses strictly on the surface level of the text, understanding the facts, events, or instructions exactly as they are presented.
• Example: Reading an instruction manual to follow the steps precisely.

10. Inferential Reading

• Definition: Inferential reading is the ability to understand and make inferences based on the information that is implied rather than directly stated in the text (Kintsch, 1998).
• Scholar: Kintsch, 1998
• Description: This reading technique involves reading between the lines, where the reader uses context clues to infer meanings and understand implied messages. It requires background knowledge and critical thinking.
• Example: Understanding the emotional tone in a novel by interpreting the characters’ dialogue and actions.

types of reading

11. Developmental Reading

• Definition: Developmental reading is an instructional method designed to enhance students’ reading abilities progressively, usually starting with simpler texts and advancing to more complex ones (Carver, 1990).
• Scholar: Carver, 1990
• Description: Developmental reading focuses on improving reading skills over time, with a focus on comprehension, fluency, and speed. It’s common in educational settings, especially for young readers or language learners.
• Example: Early-grade reading programs designed to help students improve reading fluency and comprehension.

12. Intensive Extensive Reading

• Definition: This hybrid method combines both detailed reading (intensive) and broad, general reading (extensive) to balance understanding and fluency (Waring & Nation, 2004).
• Scholar: Waring & Nation, 2004
• Description: The idea is to engage in both types of reading. For example, students might read extensively to build fluency but also read some texts intensively to develop specific skills like vocabulary or grammar.
• Example: A language learner reading several easy books extensively but also analyzing a few passages in detail for grammar.

13. Leisure Reading

• Definition: Leisure reading, also known as recreational reading, is reading done for pleasure, often with no specific goal other than enjoyment (Krashen, 2004).
• Scholar: Krashen, 2004
• Description: It’s a personal choice activity where the reader selects material that interests them, such as novels, magazines, or blogs. This form of reading promotes relaxation and enjoyment.
• Example: Reading a favorite fiction novel on a weekend to unwind.

14. Subvocalized Reading

• Definition: Subvocalized reading is the process of silently articulating or mentally pronouncing words as you read (Rayner, 1998).
• Scholar: Rayner, 1998
• Description: This technique is common in slower, more deliberate reading processes where the reader mentally speaks the words. It helps maintain focus and understanding, especially with difficult or complex material.
• Example: Silently mouthing words while reading a technical paper to ensure comprehension.

types of reading

15. SQ3R Reading

• Definition: SQ3R stands for Survey, Question, Read, Recite, and Review. It is a systematic method for improving reading comprehension and retention (Robinson, 1946).
• Scholar: Robinson, 1946
• Description: This technique involves actively engaging with the text by first surveying it, forming questions, reading to answer those questions, reciting key points, and reviewing the material afterward.
• Example: Using SQ3R to study a textbook chapter by first reviewing headings and forming questions, reading to find the answers, and then summarizing and reviewing.

16. Responsive Reading

• Definition: Responsive reading is reading that requires active engagement, often involving discussion or written responses (Rosenblatt, 1978).
• Scholar: Rosenblatt, 1978
• Description: This type of reading involves interacting with the text in a way that allows the reader to respond to the material, either through discussion or written feedback.
• Example: Reading an opinion article and then writing a response or engaging in a class debate about the subject matter.

17. Exploratory Reading

• Definition: Exploratory reading is reading done to explore new topics or unfamiliar areas without a specific goal (Guthrie & Wigfield, 2000).
• Scholar: Guthrie & Wigfield, 2000
• Description: This method involves open-ended reading with curiosity driving the process. Readers are not necessarily looking for answers but are exploring new ideas, concepts, or subjects.
• Example: Reading a variety of articles on a new area of interest such as climate change or AI to gain a broader understanding.

References

1. Adler, M. J., & Van Doren, C. (1972). How to read a book: The classic guide to intelligent reading. Simon & Schuster.
2. Brown, H. D. (2007). Principles of language learning and teaching. Pearson Education.
3. Buzan, T. (2003). The speed reading book. BBC Active.
4. Carver, R. P. (1990). Reading rate: A review of research and theory. Academic Press.
5. Day, R. R., & Bamford, J. (1998). Extensive reading in the second language classroom. Cambridge University Press.
6. Guthrie, J. T., & Wigfield, A. (2000). Engagement and motivation in reading. In M. Kamil, P. Mosenthal, P. D. Pearson, & R. Barr (Eds.), Handbook of reading research (Vol. 3, pp. 403–422). Erlbaum.
7. Kintsch, W. (1998). Comprehension: A paradigm for cognition. Cambridge University Press.
8. Krashen, S. D. (2004). The power of reading: Insights from the research. Libraries Unlimited.
9. McLaughlin, G. H. (2007). Proofreading, revising, & editing skills. Scholastic.
10. Nuttall, C. (1996). Teaching reading skills in a foreign language. Heinemann.
11. Rayner, K. (1998). Eye movements in reading and information processing: 20 years of research. Psychological Bulletin, 124(3), 372-422.
12. Robinson, F. P. (1946). Effective study. Harper & Row.
13. Rosenblatt, L. (1978). The reader, the text, the poem: The transactional theory of the literary work. Southern Illinois University Press.
14. Wallace, C. (2003). Critical reading in language education. Palgrave Macmillan.
15. Williams, E. (1983). Study skills in English. Cambridge University Press.
16. Waring, R., & Nation, P. (2004). Extensive reading and intensive reading. TESOL Quarterly, 38(1), 150-170.