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Speed reading implies that you can read a certain text at a much higher speed than the average reading speed of 200 wpm (words per minute). But even if you read quickly, if you have retained less than 60% of what you have read, then there is little point in improving your reading speed.

“Comprehension speed” is what you need to focus on. You must not only improve your wpm but also your ewpm (efficient words per minute).

The ewpm is the equivalent to the actual understanding of what you read and is usually much lower than your wpm. For example, if you read 200 wpm, you will probably read about 120 ewpm.

To improve comprehension speed, consider these comprehension tips to boost your general understanding of what you read:

• Skim read the first chapter. Authors have a certain method of presenting their ideas. You will see how the author presents their most important ideas, so that in the future chapters you will pay more attention to these sections. Also, you will observe any typographic elements that the author has used to highlight the most important ideas or to mark important sections of the book.
• Focus your attention on the first sentence of each paragraph. Usually, the first paragraph is where the author presents their main ideas (in the so-called "topic sentence"), which are expanded upon in the rest of the paragraph.
• To improve your comprehension further, write a note about the first sentences of the paragraph and on the important elements from the text that you have noticed. Then try to make a mental map of the work and retell to yourself the important aspects you have seen. After this, begin to read again. Your mind already has the general idea and will follow the text more easily, and make better connections between ideas.
• When you read in sentences, focus attention on verbs and nouns. It is easier and more important to remember combinations like verb-noun than, for example, prepositional phrases.

Also, when you read, make sure you have the best reading environment possible. Eliminate any stimuli that might divert your attention. Even if you think that listening to background music helps you read, it probably actually has the opposite effect. And make sure you read in a well-lit area so you do not strain your eyes.