Understanding academic texts can be particularly challenging for ESL learners. Academic writing often uses complex language, specialised vocabulary, and intricate sentence structures that make comprehension difficult. However, with the right strategies and tools, you can significantly improve your ability to read and understand these texts. Here’s how:
- Build Your Academic Vocabulary
Why It’s Important: Academic texts often include subject-specific terminology or more formal language than everyday speech. Learning these words is crucial to understanding the text.
How to Improve:
Study Academic Word Lists: There are lists like the Academic Word List (AWL), which contain words frequently used in academic writing. Focusing on these can help build your vocabulary.
Use Flashcards: Tools like Anki or Quizlet can help you memorise new words through spaced repetition.
Learn Word Families: When you learn a new word, also learn its other forms (e.g., “analyse,” “analysis,” “analytical”).
Example: If you come across the word “disseminate” in a text, you should also learn “dissemination” and understand its usage in different contexts. - Break Down Complex Sentences
Why It’s Important: Academic writing often includes long, complex sentences that can be difficult to follow. Breaking them down into smaller parts can help.
How to Improve:
Identify the Main Clause: Look for the subject and verb to find the main idea of the sentence.
Analyse Subordinate Clauses: These often add extra information. Separate them from the main clause to simplify understanding.
Use Punctuation as a Guide: Commas, semicolons, and parentheses can indicate where clauses begin and end, making it easier to dissect the sentence.
Example: If you read, “Although many theories have been proposed, the most widely accepted explanation remains the theory of evolution,” break it into:
“Although many theories have been proposed” (additional information)
“the most widely accepted explanation remains the theory of evolution” (main idea). - Use Context Clues to Understand Unknown Words
Why It’s Important: You won’t always have a dictionary at hand, and stopping to look up every unknown word can disrupt your reading flow.
How to Improve:
Look at Surrounding Words: The meaning of unfamiliar words is often hinted at by the context. Look at the sentences before and after the unknown word.
Recognize Synonyms or Definitions: Authors often introduce a complex term followed by a simpler definition or synonym.
Pay Attention to Contrasts: Words like “however,” “but,” and “although” signal a contrast that can help clarify meaning.
Example: In the sentence, “The study was disseminated widely, or spread across academic circles,” you can infer that “disseminated” means “spread.” - Skim First, Then Read Deeply
Why It’s Important: Skimming helps you get a general idea of the text before diving into details. This prepares your mind for more focused reading.
How to Improve:
Skim for Headings and Key Phrases: Look for topic sentences, headings, or keywords that give an overview of the main ideas.
Read the Abstract or Introduction: For academic papers, the abstract or introduction provides a summary of the key points.
Focus on Conclusion: This section often restates the main findings or arguments.
Example: Before reading a long journal article, skim the abstract to get an idea of the overall argument and then focus on sections that are most relevant to your needs. - Develop Critical Reading Skills
Why It’s Important: Academic texts often require you to evaluate arguments, compare ideas, and think critically about the material.
How to Improve:
Ask Questions While Reading: What is the main argument? What evidence is provided? Are there counterarguments?
Identify Biases or Assumptions: Consider the author’s perspective and whether they present a balanced view.
Take Notes: Write down key points, questions, or summaries to help retain information and evaluate it later.
Example: If you’re reading a study, ask yourself, “What is the author’s hypothesis? What evidence supports this? Is there another possible explanation?” - Use Summarising Techniques
Why It’s Important: Summarising helps you process information and ensures you understand the key points of what you’ve read.
How to Improve:
Write Brief Summaries: After reading each section, write a short summary in your own words.
Use Visual Aids: Tools like mind maps or charts can help break down information and show relationships between ideas.
Discuss with Others: If possible, talk about the text with classmates or teachers to reinforce understanding.
Example: After reading a section on climate change, summarise it as: “The text argues that human activities are the primary cause of climate change, with supporting evidence from CO2 emissions data.” - Practise Active Reading
Why It’s Important: Active reading keeps you engaged and helps you remember what you’ve read.
How to Improve:
Highlight Key Points: Use a highlighter or underline important ideas, but don’t overdo it.
Make Marginal Notes: Write questions or thoughts in the margins as you read.
Read Aloud: For difficult passages, reading aloud can improve comprehension.
Example: While reading, highlight sentences that state the main argument and jot down any questions or thoughts you have in the margin. - Improve Reading Speed and Fluency
Why It’s Important: Reading quickly while maintaining comprehension is essential for dealing with large amounts of academic text.
How to Improve:
Practice Speed Reading: Focus on identifying key words and avoiding unnecessary details.
Use Timed Reading Exercises: Set a timer and challenge yourself to read faster while still understanding the material.
Read Regularly: Like any skill, practice improves fluency. Make reading a daily habit.
Example: Challenge yourself to read a 2-page section in 10 minutes, then check your understanding by summarising the key points.
Overcoming Challenges with Coaching
While these strategies are invaluable, personalised coaching can make a significant difference. A good English coach can:
Help you build subject-specific vocabulary.
Guide you through difficult readings with personalised feedback.
Provide tailored exercises to improve your reading fluency.
An experienced coach can help you overcome the specific difficulties you face, ensuring that you not only understand academic texts but also feel confident discussing and writing about them.
Understanding academic texts takes time and practice, but with these strategies and the support of a coach, you can navigate even the most complex material with ease.
Leave a Reply