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How to Improve Reading in Adults

Millions of adults possess poor literacy skills. This affliction is often the result of factors such as not being read to as a child, having at least one parent that could not read, or suffering from an undiagnosed learning disability.

There are ways to improve literacy in adults who are willing to summon up the determination to do some hard work.

Things You'll Need

A book or article
Uninterrupted time on a regular basis
A family member or friend if possible

Instructions

Ways to Improve Your Literacy
- 1
  Think about what you are preparing to read. Look over the book or article. Read the title. Look at the pictures, if any. Try to determine the subject.
- 2
  Find the topic of the story. As you read, think of the topic and compare it to what you know. Form an image of what you're reading.
- 3
  Think about why you've chosen your book or article. Is the information useful? Is it interesting? Should you change the type of story or topic you are reading?
- 4
  Don't worry about understanding every word. If you encounter a word that you don't know, don't run to the dictionary. Keep reading. Try to sound out the word. Read the sentence and surrounding text to help you guess the meaning of the word.
- 5
  Reread the passages that you don't fully understand. Each time you read a passage, look for new information that will help you to better understand the text.
- 6
  Ask questions. If you have a partner with you, ask that person questions as you read. Ask your partner not to give you the answers outright, but instead to provide clues to help you determine the answers. This will help you to retain the information.
- 7
  Read as much and as often as you can. Make learning to read a priority. Find something interesting and read it whenever you have time. Make an honest effort to read for at least a few minutes every day. When you're home alone, get out that book or article and work!

Reading