Reading skill:
Purposes of reading
Reading is a versatile skill, and how we approach a text depends largely on why we’re reading it. Are we reading for fun, to find specific information, or to analyze complex ideas? As teachers, understanding these different purposes helps us design lessons that meet our students’ needs. In this lesson, we’ll explore the various purposes of reading and how you can use this knowledge to make your teaching more effective.
Why do we read?
Different purposes of reading
People read for many reasons, and each purpose requires a different approach. Here are the most common purposes of reading:
Reading for the purpose of pleasure:
This is reading for enjoyment, such as novels, comics, or magazines. The focus is on the experience, not on analyzing every detail.
Example:
A student reading a Harry Potter book to relax and escape into a magical world.
Reading for the purpose of information:
This is reading to find specific facts or details, such as in a textbook, manual, or news article. The goal is to locate and understand key information.
Example:
A student reading a science textbook to learn about the water cycle.
Reading for the purpose of understanding:
This is reading to fully grasp the meaning of a text, such as a poem, essay, or legal document. It involves careful analysis and interpretation.
Example:
A student reading a Shakespeare play to understand its themes and language.
Reading for the purpose of critical analysis:
This is reading to evaluate or critique a text, such as an opinion piece or research paper. It involves questioning the author’s arguments and forming your own conclusions.
Example:
A student reading an editorial to analyze the writer’s perspective and decide whether they agree.
Reading for the purpose of practical use:
This is reading to complete a task, such as following instructions, filling out a form, or navigating a website. The focus is on applying the information.
Example:
A student reading a recipe to bake a cake or reading a bus schedule to plan their journey.
How approaches to reading vary by purpose
The way we read changes depending on our purpose. Here’s how:
Reading for pleasure:
- Approach: Relaxed and immersive. Students focus on the story or content without worrying about every detail.
- Skills: Fluency, enjoyment, and the ability to follow a narrative.
Reading for information:
- Approach: Focused and selective. Students use skimming and scanning to find specific details quickly.
- Skills: Skimming, scanning, and identifying key information.
Reading for understanding:
- Approach: Careful and analytical. Students read slowly, take notes, and think deeply about the text.
- Skills: Comprehension, inference, and critical thinking.
Reading for critical analysis:
- Approach: Questioning and evaluative. Students analyze the author’s arguments, identify biases, and form their own opinions.
- Skills: Critical thinking, evaluation, and argumentation.
Reading for practical use:
- Approach: Task-oriented and functional. Students focus on applying the information to complete a specific task.
- Skills: Following instructions, problem-solving, and attention to detail.
How to use this knowledge of reading purpose in teaching
Match texts to purposes:
- Choose texts that align with the purpose of the lesson. For example, use a novel for reading for pleasure, a news article for reading for information, and a poem for reading for understanding.
- Example: If your goal is to teach skimming, use a short article with clear headings and subheadings.
Teach different reading strategies:
- Show students how to adjust their reading approach based on the purpose. For example, teach skimming and scanning for reading for information, and close reading for reading for understanding.
- Example: For a lesson on reading for critical analysis, teach students how to identify the author’s tone, purpose, and evidence.
Set clear goals:
- Explain the purpose of each reading activity to your students. For example, “Today, we’re reading this article to find specific information about climate change.”
- Example: For a reading for pleasure activity, let students choose their own books and set aside time for silent reading.
Use real-world examples:
- Use texts that students will encounter in real life, such as menus, schedules, or websites. This makes the lesson practical and relevant.
- Example: Teach students how to read a job application form or a travel itinerary.
Encourage reflection:
- After reading, ask students to reflect on how they approached the text and whether it helped them achieve their purpose.
- Example: “Did skimming help you find the information quickly? What could you do differently next time?”
Purpose-related real-world reading
activities in the classroom
Reading for pleasure:
Set up a class library with a variety of books and let students choose what they want to read. Hold a book discussion to share their thoughts.
Reading for information:
Give students a short article and ask them to find five key facts. Use a graphic organizer to help them organize the information.
Reading for understanding:
Analyze a poem together, focusing on the meaning of each line and the poet’s use of language.
Reading for critical analysis:
Provide an opinion piece and ask students to identify the author’s argument, evidence, and biases. Then, have a class debate.
Reading for practical use:
Give students a recipe and ask them to follow the instructions to make a simple dish. Alternatively, provide a bus schedule and ask them to plan a trip.
Final thoughts
Reading is a multifaceted skill, and understanding the different purposes of reading helps us teach it more effectively. By matching texts to purposes, teaching appropriate strategies, and setting clear goals, we can help our students become confident and versatile readers.
So, whether your students are reading for fun, for information, or for critical analysis, your guidance can help them unlock the full potential of every text. Happy teaching!
To your CELTA journal:
Think about your favorite ways to teach reading for different purposes.
Reflect on your favorite ways to teach reading for different purposes, such as skimming, scanning, or detailed comprehension. Write in your CELTA journal about your experiences, the strategies you use, and why they are effective. Describe any challenges you have faced, such as varying reading levels or learner engagement, and explain how you addressed them.
- Next lesson: Decoding meaning
- Previous lesson: Basic concepts and terminology used for describing reading skills