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Two of the most important techniques of reading are comprehension and retention, and mastering these skills is a process.  Being able to understand what you are reading is directly related to being able to remember what you have read.  This also helps you to summarize, in your own words, what you have read.

HOW TO GET STARTED READING:

Preparing to read is as important as reading itself.  You should be comfortable where ever you plan to read; this includes a pleasant temperature (neither hot nor cold),  and a well lit area .  You should have a dictionary or note pad handy so that you can find the definition in the dictionary or write down the word (and the page it is on in the book) and look up the meaning of word later.

Other helpful tools for reading are a highlighter/marker and, if you are reading for an assignment, any information given in class about the book.  These extra items can help you find important points in the book and give you some guidance while you are reading.

HOW TO INCREASE VOCABULARY:

What IS vocabulary?

At the web site dictionary.com, the following definition is given for the word "vocabulary"

    vo·cab·u·lar·y
    n. pl. vo·cab·u·lar·ies
    1. All the words of a language.
    2. The sum of words used by, understood by, or at the command of a particular person or group.
    3. A list of words and often phrases, usually arranged alphabetically and defined or translated; a lexicon or glossary.
    4. A supply of expressive means; a repertoire of communication: a dancer's vocabulary of movement.

Since vocabulary represents ALL the words of a language, when you read, you will always encounter new words.  When you come across a word that is new, look it up in the dictionary to learn its meaning.  Some new words will explain themselves from the way they are used in the sentence; this is called contextual meaning.  However, it is important to know the dictionary definition of a word, too, because words have multiple meanings (definitions).

USING THE INTERNET TO BUILD VOCABULARY

The best way to increase your vocabulary is to READ as much as you can, and read ANYTHING at all (pulp fiction, literature, newspapers, magazines, etc.).  You can also have fun while you learn with the help of the Internet.  There are several web sites focused on English vocabulary links at http://www.nanana.com/vocabulary.html.  Go to this site and click on one of links to test your skill(s) or perhaps you can learn a new word each day by having an email sent to you daily from a web site.  Make reading fun, and you will get the most out of it.

The Internet also offers access to web sites all over the world.  Some colleges and universities have reading labs specifically designed to assist students as they learn to read.  Below are four web sites that have a lot to offer and are very informative.
 
 

University of the District of Columbia: Reading/Writing Lab

DePaul University:  Reading & Learning Lab

Bellevue Community College: Reading Lab

University of Texas: Learning Center Reading/Writing/Study Skills Center