If you're like most students, you probably read both at home and outside your home: perhaps somewhere
on your schoolyard and maybe even at work during your breaks. Your reading environment can have a great
effect on your understanding, so give some thought to how you can create (营造) or choose the right reading
environments. The right environment allows you to stay alert (专注的) and to keep all of your attention on the
text, especially when it is both interesting and difficult.
     When you're at home, you can usually create effective conditions for reading. You might want to choose
a particular place-a desk or table, for example-where you always read. Make sure the place you choose is well
lighted, and sit in a chair that requires you to sit straight. Reading in a chair that's too soft and comfortable is
likely to make you sleepy! Keep your active reading tools (pens, markers, notebooks or paper) and a dictionary
close at hand.
     Before you sit down for a reading period, try to reduce all possible interruptions. Turn off your phone, the
television, and the radio. Tell your family members or roommates that you'll be busy for a while. If necessary,
put a "Do not disturb" sign on your door! The more interruptions you must deal with while you read, the harder
it will be to keep your attention on the task at hand.