You've got a 300-page novel and a burning desire to read it, but limited time. Sound familiar? We've all been there. Whether you're a seasoned reader or a newbie, the question is: How long will it take to finish reading those pages and manage time accordingly?
Let's find out!
What is the average reading speed?
How long does it take to read 20 pages?
When I first started thinking about how long does it take to read 20 pages of a book, I had to know first how good of a reader I was, and the criteria to get that idea was to compare it to the average reading rate.
How many words are in a 300 page book?
The number of words in a 300-page book can vary greatly depending on factors such as font size, line spacing, and the complexity of the text. However, a rough estimate of how many words in 300 page book is around 90,000 words. So, now you know how long should it take to read a 300 page book.
How long does it take to read a 400 page book?
A person who is an avid reader will take around 11 to 12 hours to read a 400 page book. But how long should it take to read a 400 page book for an average reader?
So, the average reading speed is roughly around 33.3 minutes for 20 pages at a pace of about 300 words per minute (WPM). But there are some factors that come into play during your reading sessions making them slower or faster than normal.
Like for example, if you have a yawning dissertation or an equally boring information manual in front of you, your average speed may become slower than your normal speed rate, but give a Twilight Saga or any of your favorite novels, and you'll be reading it like a champ.
There's another study published in December 2019 that suggests that the average reading rate is 238 wpm for non-fiction and 260 wpm for fiction and this analysis is based on 190 studies.
If you're a speed reader and can manage 300 WPM or more, you could finish the same book in around 8.5 hours.
6 Factors Affecting Your Reading Speed
We've all had those days where we sit down with a good book, only to find ourselves staring at the page, words blurring together. It can be frustrating, right?
Let's find out what restricts your reading abilities.
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Cultural and Regional Differences
- Some studies suggest that East Asian languages, like Chinese and Japanese, can be read more quickly due to their logographic nature, where each character represents a word or concept.
- Countries like Finland and Norway have strong literacy rates and a culture that values education, which may contribute to faster reading speeds.
Professional Speed Readers
- A renowned speed reading expert, Wood developed techniques that enabled people to read much faster than the average person.
- Many people today use speed reading techniques to increase their reading efficiency, especially in academic and professional settings.
The Quality of the Book
A poorly printed book with blurry text or inconsistent spacing can worsen your reading experience. Plus, a lackluster plot or uninteresting characters can make it difficult to stay engaged. Books must be written by well-reputed writers, such as Ace Book Writer.
Your Mood and Focus
- A noisy environment, a nagging thought, or even a phone notification can disrupt your focus and slow you down.
- When you're feeling overwhelmed, your brain may struggle to concentrate on the text.
The Complexity of the Text
Sometimes the writers think that using difficult vocabulary and jargon can impress readers but books with complex language or specialized vocabulary can require more time to process.
Plus, If the author's writing style is convoluted or overly wordy, it can slow down your reading pace. Therefore, even if you have written a book that connects with people in real life, you must get it proofread by professionals.
- Your Reading Goal
If you're skimming for specific information, you'll read faster than if you're reading for deep comprehension.
9 Reader's Tips to Increase Your Reading Speed
Reading can be a truly addictive pastime and in the best possible way. Some people have the urge to cover as many genres in a short time as they can, but what stops them is "slow reading speed."
Here are some effective techniques to help you read more and faster:
- Shut Your Inner Monologue
- Reduce subvocalization, the silent pronunciation of words in your head.
- Train your brain to directly process words, bypassing the need for internal speech.
- Use techniques like listening to music or chewing gum to minimize inner dialogue.
- Word Chunking
- Learn to perceive multiple words at once, increasing reading efficiency.
- Divide the text into manageable chunks and read them simultaneously.
- Break the Rereading Habit
- Use a finger or bookmark to guide your eyes along the text, preventing backtracking.
- Avoid rereading unless necessary.
- Pay attention to your reading process and identify any recurring habits.
- Know What's Peripheral Vision
- Train your eyes to take in more information with each glance.
- Quickly scan lines of text, focusing on keywords and phrases.
- Work on smooth, efficient eye movements to reduce reading time.
- Set Goals and Track Progress
- Set specific reading goals, such as pages per day or words per minute.
- Time yourself while reading to monitor your progress and identify areas for improvement.
- Reward yourself for achieving your goals to stay motivated.
- Read Regularly and Widely
- Dedicate time to reading daily to enhance your skills.
- Explore various genres and subjects to broaden your knowledge and improve your reading speed.
- Learn from the reading habits of accomplished readers, such as Theodore Roosevelt.
- Optimize Your Reading Environment
- Find a quiet, well-lit place to read.
- Turn off notifications and eliminate other interruptions.
- Employ techniques like using a marker or index card to guide your eyes.
- Expand Your Vocabulary
- Regularly introduce new words into your vocabulary.
- Infer the meaning of unfamiliar words from the surrounding context.
- Look up words you don't know to improve your understanding.
- Make Reading Strategies
- Quickly identify key information and main ideas.
- Engage with the text by asking questions, making predictions, and summarizing.
- Pay attention to your reading process and adjust your approach as needed.
6 Scientific Techniques to Be a Fast Reader
Quick reading isn't just about the speed at which you consume words; it's about comprehension and retention. Here are some powerful techniques to enhance your reading experience:
- SQ3R
The SQ3R method is a tried-and-true strategy for deep understanding:
- Survey: Quickly skim the text to get an overview of its structure and main ideas.
- Question: Formulate questions based on headings, subheadings, and key points.
- Read: Actively read the text, keeping your questions in mind.
- Recite: Summarize the key points in your own words.
- Review: Revisit the text to reinforce your understanding and identify any gaps.
- Skimming for a Big Picture
Skimming is a rapid reading technique used to identify main ideas quickly. It's ideal for:
- News articles
- Reviews
- Research papers
- Scanning to Find Specific Information
Scanning involves searching for specific details within a text. Use this technique to:
- Locate names, dates, or statistics
- Find keywords or phrases
- Identify answers to specific questions
- Active Reading to Engage with the Text
Active reading is a thoughtful approach that involves:
- Annotating the text with notes and questions
- Relating the text to personal experiences and knowledge
- Discussing the text with others
- Detailed Reading
Detailed reading is a slow, methodical approach used for complex texts. It involves:
- Analyzing sentence structure and word choice
- Identifying the author's purpose and tone
- Evaluating the text's arguments and evidence
- Structure-Proposition-Evaluation (SPE): A Critical Reading Method
The SPE method, popularized by Mortimer Adler, emphasizes:
- Identifying the overall structure of the text.
- Analyzing the author's main arguments and supporting claims.
- Critically assessing the author's reasoning and evidence.
Reading faster could be your target but if you train your mind to employ these scientific studies, you can become a reader of thought with better analysis and critical opinions about what's written.
How to Remember What You Read?
Many of us struggle with information retention, especially when it comes to what we read. But don't worry, there are effective strategies to improve your memory and make the most of your reading time.
You can try to:
Read Actively
Use a highlighter or pen to mark important passages. Write notes in the margins or on a separate sheet of paper. Ask yourself questions like "Why is this important?" or "How does this relate to what I already know?"
After each chapter or section, summarize the main points in your own words. This will help solidify your understanding and improve your memory.
Create Connections
Connect the information to your own life and experiences. This will make it more meaningful and easier to remember.
Review and Reinforce
Quiz yourself on the material to identify areas where you need to focus your attention. Talk about what you've read with friends, family, or colleagues.
Read Mindfully
Find a quiet, distraction-free place to read, and don't try to read for hours on end. Take short breaks to rest your eyes and mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
The 4-3-2-1 method is a reading technique designed to improve reading speed and comprehension. It involves reading a text four times, each time focusing on a different level of understanding:
- First read (4): Skim the text to get a general overview of the topic.
- Second read (3): Read the text more slowly, focusing on the main ideas and key points.
- Third read (2): Read the text even more slowly, paying attention to the details and supporting evidence.
- Fourth read (1): Read the text one final time, focusing on the most important information and summarizing the key points.
Anyone can claim to write a book for you, but if you want your book to be readable and better in reach, you must seek professional ghostwriting services from Ace book writers.
Your book must be published on all major platforms, such as Amazon and Apple Books, which requires them to be well-edited and communicated through proper publishing strategies. Acebookwriters ensure that your books are proofread, edited, published, and marketed in the best possible way to expand their reach.
Read More, Read Better!
Understanding your reading speed and comprehension can enhance your reading experience. By implementing effective techniques and strategies, you can improve your reading efficiency and enjoy books better.
If you are a writer, try to consider the fact that reader-friendly books are the best-selling books. To make your text better, it is always advisable to seek help from well-reputed book writing agency, such as Acebookwriters. Ace Book Writers is a professional book writing company for new or experienced authors across the US by combining our collective experience of 10+ years in the writing, editing, sales, designing, and marketing areas.
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