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Intensive reading is the process of studying a text in depth to achieve a specific goal. In the process of learning English, intensive reading involves several things.
1. a deep grasp of the vocabulary in the article
Learner should try to grasp most of the new words through intensive reading, and know how to use the new words in a proper way.
2. a deep understanding of sentence structures
To understand every sentence structure in the article, especially long and complicated ones. To appreciate beautiful sentences/expressions through close reading. If necessary, remember them by heart.
3. a deep grasp of the content/writing ideas of the article
To understand the theme of the essay and the line of thought.
Only when a English learner achieves above goals, can he or she be considered an effective reader. Intensive reading is the process of digesting 100% of the article into your own knowledge and ability.
How to do intensive reading?
1. Choose a material for intensive reading. Generally speaking, if you can understand 70% of an article, then it is an article suitable for intensive reading practice. Another option is to choose an article in which new words are less than 10%. Too many new words will definitely affect learner’s comprehension.
2. Read through roughly, without looking up in the dictionary. Read the article from beginning to end at the speed you feel most comfortable with. Mark words or sentences you don't understand. Note that in this process do not look up the dictionary, read back, or read out loud. This step helps to develop good reading habits and improve reading speed.
3. Read sentence by sentence, word by word. Do not neglect any doubt you have. Pay attention to the new meaning of a familiar word. If you know every word in a sentence but you don’t understand the sentence well, it is most likely that some words you are familiar with have a meaning you don't know in this context. It can also be because there are some phrases in the sentence that you don't recognize. At this time, you need to look up the dictionary. If you still don't understand it after checking the dictionary, then ask questions.
4. Make your notes. After reading the entire text, review all the language points.
5. Reread the article at a slow pace, recalling the language points you have studied before you read.
6. Review. Review your notes every few days, and then reread the article.
The most important thing for intensive reading: review, consolidate, and practice. Intensive reading is very mind consuming, and the article and notes must be reviewed regularly. It’s suggested to review an article 2-3 times in a month. Therefore, it is important to make a schedule for studying and reviewing.
In addition, intensive reading should be combined with extensive reading. By reading extensively, you can also consolidate what you have learned in intensive reading.
Another method of consolidation is writing. You can do imitate writing or reading notes to practice using the sentences and vocabulary you have recently mastered through intensive reading. It deepens your impression this way.
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