Marking the Text

What is Marking the Text? An active reading strategy that asks students to identify information in the text that is relevant (relates to) the reading purpose. It has 3 distinct marks 1) Numbering Paragraphs 2) Underlining 3) Circling

Numbering Paragraphs Before reading, number each paragraph (even if it is 1 line). Write the # near the paragraph indentation & circle the #. Write the # small enough so that you have room to write in the margin

Circle Circle Key Terms, Names of People, Names of Places, and Dates. Key Terms= words or phrases that are: -repeated - used in a unique way -defined by the author - central idea (s) -used to explain or represent an idea -relevant to the reading purpose

Underline Underline an author’s claim A claim is a statement that is argued or asserted (declared; stated) by the author Sometimes author’s make many claims A claim may not be written out in the article A claim can be found anywhere in the article Underline relevant information as well

Colombia’s Mortal Agony READING PURPOSE: Reading for background information about what “Colombia’s Mortal Agony” is and reading for the use of descriptive language. 1) # the paragraphs 2) Circle key terms (dates, names, times, etc) 3) Underline descriptions & testimonies (witness accounts) * Ask Yourself: Why would an author choose to include all of these key terms and descriptions?