Speed Reading and The Role of Speed in the Reading Process

Speed has a vital role in the reading process and an understanding of it is essential. Research has shown a close relation between speed and understanding.

Progress charts of thousands of individuals taking reading training were deliberated and it has been found in most cases that an increase in rate has been paralleled by an increase in comprehension; also, where rate has gone down, comprehension has also decreased. Although there is at present little statistical evidence, it seems that slow (or word-by-word) reading prevents thorough understanding of the material. The factors producing slow reading may also be involved in lowered comprehension.

Most adults though are able to increase their rate of reading considerably and rather quickly without lowering comprehension. These same individuals seldom show an increase in comprehension when they reduce their rate. In other cases, comprehension is actually better at faster speed of reading.

Such results, of course, are primarily dependent upon the method used to gain the increased rate. Simply reading more rapidly without actual improvement in basic reading habits like vocabulary, grammar, etc. usually results in lowered comprehension.

By improving your comprehension of what you read, and reading more frequently, you can also gain vocabulary skills through association of unfamiliar words within the context of the material you are reading. Initially, you may have to slow down a bit, and sometimes come to a halt while you consult a dictionary. But with continual, frequent reading, you can build vocabulary skills by understanding how words are used within the context of what you are reading.

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