You’re not alone if you struggle with staying focused as you practice reading skills. Statistics say that 20% of adults find it hard to read. (I bet that is higher for people reading in a second language.)
I know many people who find it hard to focus on what they’re reading. It doesn’t mean you’re a bad reader, and it doesn’t mean that your English skills suck.
It does mean that you need to do a little extra if you want to succeed on the CELPIP.
The good news though, is that ‘little extra’ isn’t as hard as you might think.
3 Strategies To Help You Focus While Reading
Read out loud. The next time you’re reading, don’t read silently. Say each word out loud. It doesn’t have to be loud – just loud enough that you can hear what you’re saying. Even whispering each word will help.
Don’t worry about proper pronunciation at this point – just focus on saying each word as you read along.
Think each word. Ok, this sounds weird I know, but hear me out. We all have thoughts right? Our thoughts are like our internal or inside voice.
Only we hear what we are thinking. When you are reading, focus on saying/thinking each word as you read them.
You already are ‘think speaking’ what you’re reading – but pay attention to it next time by over pronouncing each word you read in your thoughts.
This and idea number one can help you stay connected to what you’re reading. It can help your mind remain focused on the page rather than racing off in a new direction.
Use touch. My final tip is to use your finger and trace it along under each word you’re reading if you’re reading an actual book or magazine. If you’re reading on a screen – use your mouse pointer to do the same thing – follow along each word you are reading – you can also use your finger for this foo. Engaging your sense of touch as you are reading can also be a powerful ally to keep you focused on what you’re reading.
If you struggle with staying focused on what you’re reading, I hope these three simple tips help you out.
Bonus Tip:
Bonus Tip: Always remember that you don’t need to read something boring in English in order to practice your reading skills. Look for articles or books that are about topics that you find fascinating and read those to practice your reading skills.
For the CELPIP – you can’t always remain in your comfort zone. You will face articles on the exam that you likely aren’t interested in. If you’re preparing for the CELPIP, and reading skills is a challenge for you, I highly suggest that you practice reading widely – from a variety of topics, while using one of the ideas we talked about today.
And if you would like to take your reading skills even further, with friendly and encouraging support from me, then I want to invite you to enroll in my CELPIP Reading Pro course – in four weeks you’ll learn to use powerful skills that will lead you to stronger reading skills.
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