Different people read about different things and people read for different purposes. Some would read magazines to keep them updated especially when it comes to fashion, to help them design their home or to gather tips for gardening. Some would read the daily paper because they want to know what's happening around them or they are concerned with the current economic status. Some would read novels simply because they want to get a break from the real world or because they want to find out about the different writing styles of each author.

It is good to read but reading also needs understanding. When you find yourself asking about what you read after reading then you didn't read at all. It is important that while you are reading there is also comprehension. Here are some things you should consider before reading.

1. Lighting. This is very, very important. You wouldn't want to destroy your eyes simply because you love reading. Reading with your eyes squinting is not a good idea because if you continue to do so you might tire yourself and your eyes sooner than expected. When you read, take note of the lighting. It is good to read in a place where the lighting is very good like the library or the park. When reading inside your room make sure to turn on the lights or read near your study lamp.

2. Location. Again, this is another very important consideration. Find a place where there is less distraction. Being distracted while reading will result to you getting lost in the sea of words. This is especially important when you are reading a novel. We all know that reading a novel needs concentration and imagination and you won't be able to do both when you are located somewhere noisy or somewhere where people keep passing by in front of you.

3. Reading material. Of course you won't be able to read if you don't have anything to read. When reading, make sure that you are interested in it. If you read something you are not interested in you might end up not finishing it or not understanding it at all. Interest is important especially when you are reading novels. The same goes when you are reading some magazines.

4. Age. Different people have different levels of comprehension and the levels of comprehension will vary according to age. So if you're going to give a kid something to read, make sure that it is age appropriate. We all know that they're not yet into deep words or into those reading materials filled with figures of speech or idiomatic expressions. Make sure you give them something that is easier to understand.

So before you decide to read, it would be best if you take into consideration the things mentioned above. Understand what you read and read what you understand; those are the two foundations of reading. If you don't understand what you are reading simply because you failed to consider one of the four things above then you should try again.