How to Read Effectively for Exams

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Use skimming and scanning strategies to read faster
• Identify main ideas and supporting details
• Answer comprehension questions more accurately
• Apply simple exam reading techniques

Introduction

Many students fail exams not because they do not know the answers, but because they do not read the questions and passages properly. Effective reading is a skill that can be learned and practiced. This lesson introduces simple techniques to help students understand texts faster and more accurately, especially in exam situations.

1. Types of Reading

There are different ways of reading depending on your purpose:

1. a) Skimming (Reading for Gist)
   Skimming means reading quickly to get the main idea of a text.
   You do not read every word. Instead, you focus on:

• The title
• Headings and subheadings
• The first and last sentences of paragraphs

1. b) Scanning (Reading for Specific Information)
   Scanning means looking for specific information such as:

• Names
• Dates
• Numbers
• Key facts

You move your eyes quickly over the text until you find what you need.

1. c) Intensive Reading (Reading for Detail)
   This is careful reading to understand meaning, vocabulary, and ideas.
   This type of reading is important when answering comprehension questions.
2. Step-by-Step Strategy for Reading Exam Passages

Step 1: Read the Questions First
Before reading the passage, look at the questions. This helps you know what information to look for.

Step 2: Skim the Passage
Read quickly to understand the topic and main idea.

Step 3: Scan for Key Information
Find names, dates, and keywords related to the questions.

Step 4: Read Carefully
Read the relevant parts again to confirm your answers.

Step 5: Check Your Answers
Make sure your answers match the text and the question.

3. Common Mistakes Students Make

• Reading too slowly
• Trying to understand every word
• Ignoring the question
• Guessing without checking the text

4. Practice Reading Passage

Read the passage below and answer the questions.

Many students believe that studying for long hours leads to success. However, research shows that short, focused study sessions are more effective. Taking short breaks helps the brain to remember information better. Students who manage their time well and study regularly often perform better in exams than those who study only before the exam.

Questions:

1. What do many students believe about studying?
2. What does research show about effective study?
3. Why are short breaks helpful?
4. Who performs better in exams?
5. Student Activity

✔ Identify the main idea of the passage
✔ Underline two important details
✔ Write one new word and its meaning

6. Teacher Notes (Optional Section)

• Encourage students to practice skimming with short articles
• Use timed reading activities in class
• Ask students to explain answers using evidence from the text

Summary

Good reading skills help students understand questions, manage time better in exams, and improve overall performance. Practice reading regularly using different strategies to become a confident reader.