Speed Reading - Statistics and Facts

 

Statistics and Facts on Speed Reading

Speed reading is a popular skill that promises to increase reading speed and comprehension. The average adult reading speed is 239 words per minute (wpm), but some speed reading programs claim to reach rates over 700 wpm or even higher. This article will present the statistics and facts on speed reading, including the various techniques, benefits, and drawbacks.

Reading Speed Levels

To improve reading speed, readers must overcome subvocalization, a process that limits reading speed to around 400 wpm. A motor reader, who is the average reader reading around 250 wpm, engages their lips or tongue while reading, slowing down the reading rate. An auditory reader can reach speeds of 400-450 wpm by suppressing subvocalization, while a visual reader, who has completely overcome subvocalization, can read at over 500 wpm or even over 1,000 wpm.

Speed Reading Records

While the majority of the population reads at a normal rate of 200-350 wpm, some individuals have claimed to have exceptional speed reading skills. Annie Jones, a six-time World speed reading champion, is reported to have read 4,700 wpm with 67% comprehension. Howard Berg set the Guinness World Record in speed reading in 1990, allegedly reading 25,000 wpm with 100% comprehension, but the Guinness no longer recognizes speed reading records. Maria Teresa Calderon claims to have the ability to read 80,000 wpm with 100% comprehension, but this claim has never been officially confirmed. Bill Gates is said to read 150 pages per hour or around 625 wpm with 90% comprehension, while John F. Kennedy and Jimmy Carter were allegedly able to read 1,500 wpm and 2,000 wpm respectively.

Common Speed Reading Techniques

There are several methods to improve reading speed, including skimming and scanning, meta guiding, and Rapid Serial Visual Presentation (RSVP). Skimming is a type of speed reading where the reader searches for indicators of the main idea of the text, while scanning creates a visual hierarchy of information extracted through skimming. Meta guiding is a speed reading method that helps the reader move their eyes faster through the text by using a pointer, reducing regressions and subvocalization. RSVP presents words one by one at the same location but different time intervals, minimizing saccades and regressions, but negatively affecting comprehension.

Benefits of Speed Reading

Speed reading techniques can improve both the reading and comprehension rates of slow readers. For students, taking a speed reading class can increase comprehension rate and reading speed, as well as absorb more information about the microstructure of the text. For adults, speed reading courses can increase reading speed by 42.8% while suffering a small loss of comprehension, and the increased rate is transferable to other types of tests. For non-native English speakers, speed reading courses can increase reading speed, but with a drop in comprehension.

Cons of Speed Reading

While speed reading can be beneficial for some individuals, it also comes with drawbacks. Some experts explain that there are limitations to the human mind that affect comprehension as readers go over 400 wpm, and the anatomy of the eye limits the processing of visual information. Speed reading techniques such as skimming and RSVP can negatively affect comprehension, as studies have shown a decrease in comprehension with increased reading rate.

Benefits of Slow Reading

While speed reading can be useful for certain reading goals, slow reading also has its benefits. Research has shown that slower reading speed can increase the amount of content retained, reduce stress and anxiety, and even slow down the progression of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. When a deep understanding of the text is needed, slow reading can provide greater comprehension by focusing not only on the important elements but also on details that provide context. Additionally, studies have shown that people who read at the college level or above tend to read slower when reading for pleasure.

Speed Reading Has Pros and Cons

In conclusion, speed reading can be a useful tool for improving reading speed and comprehension, but it also comes with drawbacks and limitations. Individuals should weigh the benefits and drawbacks and choose the method that best suits their reading goals. Whether it's speed reading or slow reading, it's important to find a method that allows for effective comprehension and retention of information.

Source:  https://wordsrated.com/speed-reading-statistics/

Image by Niek Verlaan from Pixabay