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Reading articles in reverse order

Stuart333

Is this just one of my peculiarities or does anyone else do this.

I like to read the end of a news article, magazine, report or document first and then read each paragraph or section in reverse order.

It means when reviewing things I always had lots of comments on the end where everyone else had given up half way through.

Perhaps I just am always looking for the conclusion then trying to read backwards to find the data that supports it. Maybe it is to avoid the waffle, but I read most of it anyway 

When I worked for a Japanese company my boss thought it was fine as traditional Japanese books are written backwards so it seemed natural to start at the 'end'. The last page of the book is actually the first, and text is read in columns, top to bottom, left to right, so you then turn the pages the other way. It is not actually read backwards, just it is written the other way around.

  • in reply to ArchaeC

    One of my better-for-me managers used to (light-heartedly), on hearing me ruffling through the pages of a paper / proposal / contract / report; habitually say out loud (approvingly), without even looking over in my direction:

    "Never mind all your waffle.  Show me your bibliography and references!"

    ...oh, yes, they knew all too well; from my paper rustling alone: that was likely in my buffer.

  • I have been reading books, articles and reports in a similar way to you ever since I completed a course on “Studying Effectively”, as part of an introduction to university studies. 

    Nowadays, I tend to read in the following order: Article or book Introduction, bibliography, conclusion, Chapter introduction, conclusion. First and last paragraphs of some or all chapters according to my priority of needs. Finally read the entire book or article from the beginning. 

    Sometimes I can get the information I want without reading the entire article or book, other times I need all the information or it requires deeper consideration, so I will repeat highlighting key words and phrases. 

    Your reading technique is a skill that enables you to consume greater quantities of the most useful information, in less time. 

  • Works for me:

    - first pass through for overview,

    - followed by second pass critique of: how the stance / case / research / evidence / critical thinking was built upon and evidenced,

    - third pass (for important matters): did the work convince itself of a premature jump to resolution mode and along the way constructed itself to reinforce that bias?  (Was there anything overlooked through a blinkered approach?),

    - fourth pass (if a training environment) for highlighting lessons learned and tactful formulation of constructive criticism,

    - fifth pass (in a supplier relationship) if redress / penalty actions need to be researched, composed and formally conveyed.

    I have also enjoyed learning a couple of languages which are not left-to-right (LTR), or sinistrodextral. 

    I enjoy that the brain can be so plastic, or neuroplasticity - as it provides hope for the ambition of learning other new skills too.