Kenwood Academy High School
“Success Express”


 

Reading Skills



Reading Is Important

Most students realize the value of being an effective, efficient reader; reading without struggling.  No one  strives to feel confused, overwhelmed, or unable to concentrate.  But that can happen if you do not have a systematic plan to manage your reading assignments.  Reading strategies can change confusion into control.  You may already have excellent reading habits but let's review some helpful hints.

Reading Techniques

There are several things to remember before you begin to read.  Be sure that you are not too hungry or sleepy before you start.  Find a comfortable chair in a quiet location without distractions.  Set a goal of reading for 50 minutes before taking a break. Be an active reader.  If you sometimes have trouble staying focused, it may be because you are not doing any active thinking that engages your mind.  Try asking yourself these questions:

    1. What is my purpose for reading this?  Am I preparing for a test?  Will there be a class discussion tomorrow?
    2. What information should I be looking for?
    3. What do I already know about this topic?
    4. What do I expect to learn?
    5. What are the main facts and ideas that the author is trying to convey?
    6. What do I expect the author to say next?
    7. What are the details I should not overlook?
    8. Am I asking the six "journalist's" questions?
    9. How can I summarize what I have just learned?
    10. How does this information fit in with what I already know?  Can I resolve any contradictory pieces of information?
    11. How does this information affect me personally?
If you practice taking an active approach by asking the questions above, you will retain more information than if you read passively by just letting your eyes pass over the text.  You will also understand what you have read better.  Identify the parts of your reading that you find confusing.  Formulate a list of questions that you want to ask your teacher or classmates.

Click here to take a quiz about what you have just read.

More Reading Strategies

Another well know technique is the SQ3R method which stands for: Survey, Question, Read, Recite, And Review.

Click here for information about SQ3R, TRIPLE STRENGTH LEARNING, and QUADRUPLE STRENGTH LEARNING.

Click here for tips on how to read a difficult book.

Click here for tips on how to increase your reading speed.

Utilize What You Have Learned

You will now read three selections followed by comprehension questions to practice what you have learned.  Before you begin, review the suggestions above.  Repetition is the key to remembering.

Click here for a passage about Carol Moseley-Braun.

Click here for questions about Carol Moseley-Braun.

Click here to view the passage about the life of Frederick Douglass.

Click here to answer the questions about Frederick Douglass.

Click here to read a movie review about The Perfect Storm.

Click here to answer questions about The Perfect Storm.
 
 

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