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| TIPS ON IMPROVING READING COMPREHENSION Reading comprehension is required to read the mass amount of fire related books so one can improve his/her knowledge base. From the time a candidate begins academy training through each promotional step, a vast amount of material will be studied, interpreted, and applied to the job. Much of this material is technical and requires sincere effort to retain the information. Therefore, in most fire fire fighter exams, reading comprehension is an expected element. Candidates have stated this is the most difficult of all parts of the exam. Verbalizing what you're reading helps in retaining that information. A recent survey of firefighter examinations given nationwide indicates that there is a wide variation in the subject matter of these exams. |
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| The single topic that is common to all exams is reading. Some exams include classic reading comprehension questions that present a passage and then ask questions on the details of the passage and, perhaps, on its meaning. Other exams require candidates to indicate proper behavior based on their reading of printed procedures and regulations. Still another type of reading-based question requires candidates to reason and predict next steps on the basis of information presented in a reading passage. Of course, questions of judgment in emergency and non-emergency situations rely heavily on reading as well. Actually, there are nearly as many variations of the reading-based question as there are test-makers. Before you begin to devote attention to strategies for dealing with reading-based questions, give some thought to your reading habits and skills. Of course, you already know how to read. But... How well do you read? Do you concentrate? Do you get the point on your first reading? Do you notice details? Reading comprehension on examinations is different than most normal daily skimming reading, speed reading or relaxing reading. Things taught in high school may not apply. Reading comprehension as tested on examinations is concentrated, focused, understanding fully what is being said. It requires questioning the author meaning of what is being said. Between now and the test day, you must work to improve your reading concentration and comprehension. Your daily newspaper provides excellent material to improve your reading. Make a point of reading all the way through any article that you begin. Do not be satisfied with the first paragraph or two. Read with a pencil in hand. Read with a goal! What is this writer trying to say. Underscore details and ideas that seem to be crucial to the meaning of the article. Notice points of view, arguments, and supporting information. When you have finished the article, summarize it for yourself. Do the following: 1. Do you know the purpose of the article? 2. The main idea presented? 3. The attitude of the writer? 4. The points over which there is controversy? 5. Did you find certain information lacking? 6. As you answer these questions, skim back over your underlining. 7. Did you focus on important words and ideas? 8. Did you read with comprehension? As you repeat this process day after day, you will find that your reading will become more efficient. You will read with greater understanding, and will "get more" from your newspaper. You can't sit down the night before a test involving reading comprehension and cram for it. The only way you can build up on your reading skill is to practice systematically. The gains you make will show up not only in an increased score on the test, but also in your reading for study and pleasure. Reading to comprehend requires practice. Trying to change reading habits that you have had for a long time can be difficult and discouraging. Do not attempt to apply all of the suggestions we have given all at once. (Continued - Click here to continue the article) |
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