Reading
Strategies and Critical Thinking
Strategies
for improving reading comprehension:
Step One: The Previewing Stage.
-When you go to the theater, previews of upcoming
films typically precede the feature. These previews generally give you an
indication of the content of an upcoming film. Similarly, when you preview a
text, you should attempt to determine the main idea of the selection.
Use Skimming and
Scanning techniques!
Read for context and main
ideas.
At the theater after viewing several previews, you may have thought a
particular film was interesting and you decided to attend a screening later.
Unlike the preview, the actual film will provide many details regarding the
plot. After viewing the film, you will most likely have a greater understanding
of its themes, characters, and plot. Just like when you read an entire
selection, closely examining the details and reflecting on the contents.
- Develop an understanding
the main ideas, and new vocabulary.
- Have pencil or pen
available!
- Make marks! Highlight!
Write comments!
- Search for main ideas, details, and key words.
- Critically examine what you are reading; reflect on
interesting points and main ideas.
Make sure to eliminate distractions...
Utilize time management skills (make sure to take a
break every 20-30 minutes).
Make sure you finish
reading a selection in its entirety.
Keep
a reading notebook: take notes; summarize.