READING THE LINES

[continued from the Last Post:]

'Reading the lines' or 'Reading on the Lines' is generally considered the most basic level, when it comes to reading comprehension or information gathering at its crudest & simplest level.

I would consider 'Surface Reading' as another apt term to describe it, since our primary interest in the reading process is just the facts.

In most instances, I would say expositional & informational writings would fall under the category.

This is in fact the level at which most of us as readers can function quite easily, as one can quickly understand the reading material at hand.

In other words, one can understand what the author is actually talking about because all the needed information is there, just as the author has said it.

To put it in another perspective, one can, with a quick glance of the eye, easily point one's finger at the text where the information is located,

In the academic context, the "answers" to the "questions" are right there in the text.

More specifically, for a student, this is the reading level that tackles most common tests like 'Objective Tests', 'Multiple-Choice Question Tests', 'Fill-in-the-Blank Tests', as well as 'True or False Tests'.

Therefore, "retelling" of the captured information when needed is also quick & easy, especially in terms of Who? When? What? Where? How many?

Reading experts like to term this aspect as "literal comprehension".

[to be continued in the NEXT POST:]

THE RATIONALE FOR READING

Dilip Mukerjea writes in his book, 'Taleblazers: Imagination to Imprint':

"Research indicates that the average CEO of an organisation does not finish reading one book a year!

The average corporate executive needs to read over 5 milion words per month, or 60 million words a year.

Information anxiety has arrived! How are we to keep pace with the high-velocity world?

The average reading speed opf most people is about 240 words per minute (wpm), well below the rate stipulated by the United Nations for functional literacy, 400 wpm.

Today, knowledge doubles every year. We have received more information in the last 50 years than in the last 5000. There is a dire need for us to deal with 'information anxiety'.

The answer lies in learning to read a range of materials, at a range of speeds, enhance comprehension, acquire skills in writing and speaking, and boost overall mental literacy - all vital components for developing intellectual capital.

READERS MAKE LEADERS! and LEADERS ARE READERS... of books, people, situations, and possibilities."

Points to Ponder:

- Currently, how fast are you reading?

- How much do you know about the characteristic traits of a proficient reader?

- Proficient readers never use only one strategy, rather they fluidly coordinate a number of strategies to ensure maximum comprehension of their daily reading materials. Do you like to know more about their strategies?

- In essence, proficient reading necessitates three levels of reading comprehension: 'reading on the lines', 'reading between the lines', & 'reading beyond the lines'.

Dilip Mukerjea has highlighted them in his book, 'Unleashing Genius, with the World Most Powerful Learning Systems'.

Dilip has nonetheless concurred with me that a fourth level is even imperative, especially in today's world of accelerating change, increasing complexity & hyper-competitive marketspace: 'reading outside the lines'.

Game to know more?

Please stay tuned.