Reading for Maximum Retention and Recall (Intensive Reading)

READING FOR MAXIMUM RETENTION AND RECALL (INTENSIVE READING)

Reading for maximum retention and recall means reading carefully and deeply so that you can remember and explain what you have read. It is also called intensive reading.

To read intensively, you focus on understanding every detail — the meaning of words, the structure of sentences, and the ideas in the passage.

Purpose

1. To understand the writer’s main message clearly.

2. To remember important facts, ideas, and vocabulary.

3. To be able to recall or explain what you have read in your own words later.

How to Do Intensive Reading

1. Read slowly and carefully. Don’t rush — focus on meaning.

2. Pay attention to new words. Look up their meanings.

3. Underline or note key points.

4. Read each paragraph more than once for better understanding.

5. Summarize what you read in your own words.

6. Answer questions about the passage to test your understanding.

Example Passage: The sun is the main source of energy on Earth. It gives light and heat to plants, animals, and humans. Without the sun, life on Earth would not exist. The sun also helps plants to make their food through photosynthesis.

What you should retain and recall:

1. The sun gives light and heat.

2. It is the main source of energy on Earth.

3. Without the sun, there would be no life.

4. It helps plants make food through photosynthesis.

Why It Is Important

1. It helps students remember what they read for exams and tests.

2. It improves vocabulary and comprehension skills.

3. It trains the mind to focus and think critically.

Practice Tip

After reading any passage:

1. Close the book.

2. Try to say or write the main points from memory.

3. Check what you missed — then read again to improve recall.

Practice Passage

The library is one of the most important places in a school. It contains many books, magazines, and newspapers that help students learn more. Students can borrow books and read them at home or in the library. A good library is always quiet, clean, and well arranged. Reading in the library helps students to understand their subjects better and develop a love for reading.

Comprehension Questions

1. What is the passage mainly about?

2. Mention three things that can be found in the library.

3. What can students do with the books in the library?

4. Describe a good library using two adjectives from the passage.

5. How does reading in the library help students?

6. What lesson can you learn from the passage?

Suggested Answers

1. Main Idea: The library is an important place for learning in the school.

2. Things found in the library: Books, magazines, and newspapers.

3. What students can do: They can borrow books and read them at home or in the library.

4. Adjectives describing a good library: Quiet and clean (also well arranged).

5. How reading helps: It helps students understand their subjects better and develop a love for reading.

6. Lesson learned: Students should make good use of the library to improve their knowledge.)