Effective Reading Comprehension Tips for the PERT

Why Do We Struggle with Reading Comprehension?

Let’s face it—reading can sometimes feel like a chore. You’re staring at words, and they start to blend together, don’t they? It’s like trying to read a menu in a dimly lit restaurant. You know there’s something good on that page, but the details allude you. A lot of students find themselves in the same boat, especially when preparing for critical tests like the Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT).

So, here’s a thought: What if you could make reading easier and even more enjoyable? Spoiler alert: you can!

The Secret Sauce: Annotating While Reading

You might be wondering what the magic bullet is for conquering those complex texts. Well, one of the most effective methods is annotating or taking notes while reading. This practice transforms you from a passive reader into an active participant in your own learning journey. It’s like switching your role from an audience member at a concert to a band member jamming on stage.

Why is this method so powerful, you ask? Well, let’s break it down:

• Engagement: When you annotate, you’re forced to interact with the material. You’re not just skimming; you’re diving in deep! Marking key ideas, jotting down your thoughts, or highlighting questions gives your brain a workout.
• Retention: You know what? Writing things down helps you remember them better. There’s just something about the physical act of writing—it's like giving your memory a little nudge.
• Organization: Got a jumble of ideas swirling in your head? Annotating lets you organize your thoughts clearly. It’s easier to grasp the broader themes when you can see how your thoughts connect.

So, How Do You Start Annotating?

First off, don’t worry if you haven’t done it before. Annotations don’t have to be complex. Here are some simple techniques that can help:

1. Highlight Key Points: Grab a highlighter (or a colored pen) and mark phrases or sentences that jump out at you. But remember, there’s a fine line—don’t go overboard! You want to highlight the main ideas, not the entire text.
2. Make Marginal Notes: Jot down questions or thoughts in the margins. Ask yourself what the author means or how it relates to your PERT prep. You might even want to write your reactions to the content. It’s all about sparking your curiosity!
3. Summarize Each Section: Once you complete a paragraph or section, summarize it in a sentence or two. This will not only reinforce what you've read but also make reviewing much easier down the line.
4. Use Symbols: Create your own shorthand symbols for things you want to remember or emphasize—like star (⭐) for important ideas and question mark (?) for things you might want to research later.

Connecting the Dots

Now, let’s take a step back. What does all of this have to do with your PERT prep? Well, it turns out that annotating can boost your overall comprehension and retention, making those practice tests feel less daunting. Remember how we talked about reading as a blend of enjoyment and engagement? When you embrace this active reading strategy, you make studying a lot more enriching.

Reading doesn’t have to be a rote task; think of it as a conversation with the author. By annotating, you’re moving beyond passive observation to an engaging dialogue that enhances your understanding. It’s much like discussing a movie after watching it; interpreting themes and exploring character development leads to a richer comprehension of the storyline.

Final Thoughts

Incorporating annotating as a cornerstone of your study sessions can elevate your reading skills from ordinary to extraordinary. Not only will you find yourself grasping difficult concepts more readily, but you’ll also find that learning can be a rewarding journey, not just a means to an end.

And here’s the amazing part: these habits don’t just apply to the PERT; they can benefit you throughout your entire academic career. So next time you pick up a text, remember—don’t just read; engage, annotate, and understand. That’s how you turn reading into a powerful tool for lifelong learning!