When you study a new subject, be particularly careful about defining new terms. Often it is a good idea to add synonyms and antonyms. Alternatively, you could build up a list or a database using a computer. Practice reading and writing the word until it is part of your personal vocabulary. Studying involves rereading, making notes, and giving careful consideration to the full meaning and implications of the material.
Rapid reading is adequate for most purposes.
Speeds range from 300-800 wpm. Skimming involves moving the eye quickly across and down the page, not reading every group of words or even every line. Scanning is a refinement of skimming, to be used when looking for a precise piece of information, date, number, etc., and speeds of up to 2000 wpm have been achieved after considerable practice. This means that after your organised previewing and skimming you should know what needs very much more attention, what you already know and what merits no further attention. Of course, this does not apply to reading poetry and fiction where the position of each word may be important to the overall pattern.