<p>People earlier said that if one would like to improve RC, reading many books is the key. But my question is, in order TO improve RC, should you read fiction - classic books (like fantasy novels, Tolstoy, etc), or non-fiction (like Obama's Audacity of Hope, The God Delusion, etc)? Interesting question, gracias.</p>
<p>That is a good question. Probably books where you have to process the information and think about it... so not a trashy book, so maybe the classics, because they're analytical.</p>
<p>Yeah, anything analytical. Although, fiction is written very differently than non-fiction, it's much more enigmatic (the good stuff is, anyway). You could end up just confusing yourself if you're not looking to become a better literary scholar, just a reader. I'd suggest anything historical, or a well-written, detailed biography. Maybe Churchill's memoirs.</p>
<p>It's not what you read - it's HOW you read the materials. If you read actively, if you try to actively see where assertions lead to conclusions, and the support the author gives for his assertions, if you try to identify conclusions that the author doesn't seem to have backed up properly - this is how you can actively read. Also - identify key phrases that you're somehow confused with and store them in a particular file (this is more difficult with in-print texts though). Theoretically, the best place to improve reading comprehension would be to join an online discussion about a particular book, a discussion that analyzes key themes and passages within the book. Unfortunately I'm unaware of such discussions. And oftentimes such discussions degenerate into speculations and facts-without-thoughts (read, harry potter discussions)</p>
<p>There are SEVERAL different levels of analysis that you can carry on in a book. If you want to see analysis at its most profound end - go read a set of essays on say, Pride and Prejudice or Crime and Punishment. Those essays generally tend to be overkill - but at least they are consistent.</p>
<p>And seriously - Sparknotes has some very interesting commentary. It's not helpful when people read it in lieu of the book - but it can be VERY helpful when used in conjunction with the book</p>
<p>Classics are very good. You have to take it completely apart to understand it.
Just reading things at and above your level will help as will reading often.</p>
<p>I'm not sure it matters whether or not it's fiction or nonfiction, just as long as it's substantial (not trashy novels, etc).</p>
<p>I also agree with spark notes after the book, it helps me find things I would normally gloss over.</p>
<p>sun, what are some examples of trashy novels. And I'm guessing stuff like Tolstoy/Orwell is usually the preferred method to improve rather than non-fiction?</p>
<p>I am sure reading trash is better than reading nothing at all. I don't know what some people consider trash, but I suggest reading what you enjoy. You can't focus your life around the SATs.</p>
<p>read a large variety, but avoid fiction bestsellers because they're often written at a lower level - writers like stephen king and tom clancy. but anyway read nonfiction and fiction both.</p>
<p>Hmmmm....I'm not exactly sure if there's a set definition of trashy novels. Some people include a wider range than others.</p>
<p>Obviously it includes chick lit, romance novels, etc.
Yeah, I agree with dank08 that you should read what you want but make sure it's at a level at or above your own.
You should try to read some novels that make you think on a higher level but not if you don't like them.</p>