When encountering confusion while reading, two main options exist: ignoring the confusion and hoping it resolves, or stopping to look things up. The best approach depends on whether the confusing element is a peripheral reference or a foundational concept the text builds upon, and whether the text requires continuous understanding. Initially, it's often beneficial to prioritize continuous reading to grasp the overall context, making note of areas for later exploration.
The Inevitability of Confusion in Learning #
- Reading to increase understanding will lead to confusion.
- Confusion indicates learning and being challenged by new knowledge.
Two Options When Faced with Confusion #
- Option 1: Continue reading.
- Ignore the confusion, hoping it resolves itself or becomes less important.
- Option 2: Stop and look things up.
- Look up unknown words, unclear references, or concepts in external sources.
Determining the Best Option: Case Studies #
- Shakespeare Example (Looking up may be a mistake):
- Stopping to look up every unfamiliar word or allusion (e.g., Greek myths) can disrupt the reading experience.
- Constant stopping and starting ruins the flow and continuity of the play.
- Many books, like plays, rely on continuity for understanding the whole.
- Introductory Chemistry Example (Looking up may be necessary):
- Not understanding fundamental concepts like Dalton's postulates can hinder comprehension of subsequent material.
- The rest of the book builds upon and complicates these foundational ideas.
Key Distinctions for Decision Making #
- Reference vs. Core Concept:
- Reference: An enriching detail (e.g., an allusion, a specific definition in another work) that doesn't fundamentally impede understanding if missed. Meaning is often graspable even without full comprehension of the reference.
- Core Concept: A fundamental idea the book is actively trying to teach; missing it prevents understanding of subsequent material.
- Building-Block Structure of the Text:
- Sequential/Cumulative: If the text builds from simpler to more complex ideas (common in science/math), understanding foundational concepts is crucial.
- Independent Chapters: If chapters are self-contained, skipping confusing parts temporarily might be acceptable.
A Dynamic Process #
- The initial decision isn't final; you can combine strategies.
- Initial Reading: Focus on continuity, make notes of confusing parts.
- Later Exploration: Revisit noted areas for deeper understanding after a first pass.
- You can look something up immediately but then reread preceding sections to regain continuity.
- Generally, trying to find answers through continued reading helps develop better reading skills.
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