Improving your reading speed

You don't have to read everything that is on your reading list. Be selective.
Try to read in concentrated stretches of an hour maximum.
Know what your optimum time for reading is - some people are 'morning people', others are 'late night people'. Don't try to read when you know that you cannot concentrate.
Build in rewards for yourself when you finish sections/chapters.
Every two or three pages, write a short paraphrase of what you think you have understood so far (writing a paraphrase rather than just copying out of the book will also help you to avoid plagiarism later when you are writing up your essays).
Read with a piece of paper and pencil to hand.
Only read what is useful.
Skim the abstract, introduction and the conclusion first to get a feel¡ng for what the text is all about (this is called 'surveying' the text)
Use the index effectively to find the pages you need.
Prioritise areas of the text. You don't need to spend an equal amount of time on everything.
Remember that it is also useful to look at footnotes and bibliographies.

Sometimes, the faster you read, the more you will understand.
Develop good skimming and scanning techniques.
Read a lot, including plenty of things at an easier level than your current level of English.
Practice focussing on several words at a time, not each word in turn, and try to keep moving forward.
Avoid constant use of the dictionary.
Remember key words in the text as you go along. Make up mnemonic devices as you go along.
Make a quick mind-map as you move forward in your reading.
Do not point to words with your finger.
Avoid reading the words aloud to yourself as you are reading (this is called vocalisation, and slows down reading speed).