A Resume of "Intensive Reading" by Otong Setiawan

Intensive Reading by Otong Setiawan Djuharie is a book about how to read intensively to gain certain information. These are some of the content that we'll see inside of the book:

1. Definition of Intensive Reading

Intensive reading involves carefully and critically reading shorter texts in order to extract maximum understanding. The aim is to focus on the specific details of a text, its structure, the author's intent, and the nuances of language.

2. Techniques for Intensive Reading

Otong Setiawan introduces various methods for readers to engage deeply with a text, such as:

- Skimming and scanning: Quickly going over the text to grasp general ideas before analyzing it closely.

- Annotation : Marking key points, vocabulary, and structure to keep track of the text's important elements.

- Identifying Main Ideas : Focusing on the central themes and supporting details of a passage.

- Analyzing Vocabulary : Understanding complex words, idiomatic expressions, and their connotations within the context of the text.

3. Reading Strategies

The book also explores strategies to approach different genres of writing. For example:

- Narrative texts : Identifying plot, setting, and character development.

- Expository texts : Understanding the author's argument, evidence, and conclusion.

- Technical or scientific texts : Grasping technical terms, data interpretation, and the logical flow of information.

4. Purpose of Intensive Reading

- Building vocabulary : Intensive reading helps learners become familiar with new words in context.

- Improving comprehension : Focusing on smaller sections of text aids in developing a deep understanding of content.

- Critical thinking : Readers are encouraged to question the text, consider different interpretations, and draw their own conclusions.

5. Application in Language Learning

For non-native speakers, intensive reading is crucial in learning a new language. The book provides tips on how to enhance language skills by dissecting texts and understanding cultural and contextual meanings.

6. Understanding Word References

Reference words are usually short words and are often in the form of pronouns: it, she, he, this, that, they, one, and others. Such words are very important in helping us understand how the parts of a paragraph fit together. Reference words that refer to something that has been mentioned before are called anaphora, and those that refer to something that comes after are called cataphora.

7. Understanding Phrases

There are many phrases in English language structure, including noun phrases, verb phrases, adjective phrases, adverbial phrases, prepositional phrases, and others.

8. Understanding, Analyzing Sentence Patterns

The formation of sentence elements consists of S.V.O.C.A (subject, verb, object, complement, adverbial). And the sentence patterns listed in a paragraph are often different. So it takes a quick and precise understanding and analysis in reading it.

9. Understanding the Meaning of Punctuation

Punctuation plays a very important role in understanding and interpreting a reading. The punctuation marks discussed include: period (.), question mark (?), exclamation mark (!), comma (,), colon (:), semicolon (;), dash (_), brackets (()), quotation marks ("), hyphen (-), and apostrophe (').

10. Understanding the Meaning of Cohesion Markers

Sentences in a text do not stand alone, but move and operate together with what came before and what comes after.

The benefits of Intensive Reading are improving our language skills, better critical thinking, and improving memory.