How to focus on reading when you struggle to stay focused

How do you stay focused on reading through a text you might not be interested in when you're preparing for the celpip?

And even more challenging, how do you stay focused on that article, or any article for that matter, when your mind goes in a million different directions except the reading activity you're trying to engage in? Today's mini episode will give you a few practical ideas to help you become a stronger reader in English and as you prepare for the CELPIP exam.

Well, hello there and welcome to the Speak English Fearlessly Podcast.

This is the podcast for motivated English learners who want to speak English fearlessly and learn practical tips and strategies to conquer the CELPIP fan.

I also love to feature encouraging interviews with regular people, people just like you who are working towards becoming fluent in English so we can learn from their experiences. Who am I? My name is Aaron Nelson and I've been an English teacher for over 17 years.

I'm also a certified CELPIP trainer and I now help students prepare for the CELPIP exam through online classes.

So if you find it hard to stay focused when you're trying to read something as you are practicing for the CELPIP or just trying to practice your English reading skills in general, then I first of all want you to know that you're not alone with that struggle. I know a lot of people who find it hard to focus on what they're reading.

It doesn't mean that you're a bad reader, and it doesn't mean that your English skills suck. It does mean, though, that you need to do a little extra if you want to succeed on the CELPIP or in building your English reading skills in general.

The good news though, is that that little extra isn't as hard as you might think. To help you stay focused on what you're reading, try one of these suggestions. Number one, 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. Number two, think each word. Okay, this sounds weird, I know, but hear me out.

We all have thoughts, right? Our thoughts are like our internal or inside voices, 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 when you're reading, but pay attention to what you're saying.

The next time by over pronouncing or over saying each word you read but in your thoughts, hear it in your mind. 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 million different directions. 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 too.

Engaging your sense of touch as you are reading can also be a powerful ally to keep you focused on what you're reading. So if you are struggling with staying focused on what you're reading, I hope these three simple tips help you out. And here's a bonus tip.

Always remember that you don't need to read something boring in English in order to be practicing your reading skills. Look for articles or books that are about topics that you find fascinating and read those to practice your reading skills. Now for the celpip.

You can't always remain in your comfort zone. You will face articles on the exam that you likely aren't that interested in.

And 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 as a bonus for my podcast listeners, that's you, my friend. That is you, the one who's listening to this Right now. I'm offering a second four week extended reading program for absolutely free.

That's a $100 value, but you have to sign up before January 7th to take advantage of this promotion. After January 7th, that second course, that extended reading practice will go back to its original price of $100.

So do you want to prepare for your reading section of the CELPIP exam and get two courses for the price of one? Just go to celpipsuccess.com reading and sign up today. Don't wait. Don't let this promotion go to waste. Act now.

You need to take advantage of this offer before January 7th. Just go to celpipsuccess.comreading thank you so much for listening to today's episode. I want to wish you and your family a Happy New Year.

My prayer for you is that this year will be a great year of wonderful blessings for you and your loved ones. Thank you so much for listening to this podcast. If you've been a regular listener, thank you for continuing to come back and supporting the show.

If you are a new listener, I'm so glad that you stopped by today. I hope that you'll come back again next Tuesday, because that's when the next episode drops.