ABSTRACT:
Listening, speaking, reading and writing (LSRW) are the four basic skills in developing a language. This paper emphasizes on efficient reading. Reading and comprehension go hand in hand. Some effective techniques to improve reading have been suggested for the students appearing for competitive exams. Myths like, reading slowly helps to understand better and loud reading is better to comprehend a text have been proved wrong. Reading is an action of brain, not eyes and vocal organs. Eyes are only the input device. But whatever the technique may be, nothing can match the habit of reading at an early stage of schooling. Reading speed can be developed by understanding and applying reading techniques like skimming, scanning, mind mapping, visualizing etc. Teachers and parents should give much importance to reading skill while teaching children as it not only provides children with vast knowledge but also greatly improves their writing skill.