The reading component isn’t as daunting as you may find it.
In fact, it’s easy to score the full 10 marks so long as you follow these 3 Simple Steps For Perfect Reading.
STEP 1: PRONUNCIATION
This is the basic component of any good reading. Make sure that you pronounce every single syllable as well as the ending letters like ‘ed’, ‘s’ and ‘t’.
Practice by reading the following paragraph like a robot and pay attention to every single syllable in the words.
I | jumped | to | my | feet | com | plete | ly | thun | der | struck | I | blinked | my | eyes | hard | I | looked | care | ful | ly | all | a | roundvme | And | I | saw | a | most | ex | traor | di | na | ry | small | per | son | who | stood | there | e | xa | mi | ning | me | with | great | se | rious | ness
STEP 2: FLUENCY
Now that you have mastered clear pronunciation, the next step is to string the words together, pausing correctly at full stops, commas, somewhat like playing a musical instrument.
Now, practice reading the same paragraph below. Notice that I’ve drawn lines before the words. When you see a break in the lines, take a pause. The length of the pause depends on the reason for the break. If there is no punctuation, take a split second break, if there is a common, a slightly longer break, and if it’s a full stop, take a slightly even longer break (like a quick break). Don’t forget that you will need to pronounce the words clearly too!
I jumped to my feet, completely thunderstruck. I blinked my eyes hard. I looked carefully all around me. And I saw a most extraordinary small person, who stood there examining me with great seriousness.
STEP 3: EXPRESSIVENESS
Try to put in suitable feelings and vary the tone at the right places. Words and phrases can be dramatised easily. You can either go louder or softer, and at the same time, faster or slower.
Take for instance, when someone is angry, the words usually come out louder and faster. And vice versa, when someone is sad, the words usually come out softer and slower.
Of course, there are instances when you have to go louder and slower (giving instructions to a class) as well as softer and faster (whispering secrets).
Practice reading the same paragraph below and try to add some emotions to the words that are in a different colour. I have put in some suggestions for dramatic effects as well! You may want to try to experiment with different tones as well!
I jumped (louder and faster) to my feet, completely thunderstruck (slower). I blinked (slower) my eyes hard. I looked carefully (slower) all around me. And I saw a most extraordinary (slower) small person, who stood there examining me with great seriousness (slower).
And that’s it! The 3 Steps For Perfect Reading! And don’t forget, practice makes perfect!
For over 15 years, Augustine’s English Classes has helped hundreds of students fall in love with the subject and excelling in school exams. If you are interested to know how our classes work, or what our secret winning formula is, do feel free to drop us a message or give us a call.