Active Reading ACT Reading Workout #1

What is “active reading”? Take a minute and write down what you think “active reading” means. Take a minute and share your ideas with a partner. Now, let’s talk. What does “active reading” mean?

Active Reading Focusing on the “big picture”! Paying close attention to the first and last paragraph! Reading for contrast, noticing differences and contradictions and looking for signal words (e.g., although, appears, but, despite, even though, however, in spite of, on the other hand, though, yet)! Reading for comparison, noticing similarities! Reading for cause and effect, looking for signal words (e.g., as a result, because, consequently, so, therefore, thus). Reading for order of importance! Reading for chronological order!

Active Reading (cont.) Noticing phrasing that indicates an example (e.g., for example, for instance, to illustrate, as an illustration)! Noticing when and where the writer states an opinion! Noticing where and when the writer makes an argument, paying attention to claims begin made and evidence being used to support those claims and looking for signal words (e.g., as a consequence, as a result, because, consequently, resulting in, therefore, thus)! Asking yourself questions as you read! o What is the writer’s purpose? o What is the tone of the passage? Do you notice any phrasing that is approving, critical, or sarcastic? o What is the internal logic of the passage? Do you notice features of chronological structure, outline structure, or a bit of each?

Paying attention to organizational structure: Indicate whether each sentence demonstrates chronological or outline structure. 1. In the middle ages, few ordinary people knew how to read and write. ____________________ 2. Three American writers exhibited this fascination with nature in their poetry. ___________________ 3. By the early nineteenth century, various groups had become interested in promoting women’s right to vote. ____________________ 4. A turning point came in 1859 when Charles Darwin published Origin of Species. ____________________

Paying attention to organizational structure: Indicate whether each sentence demonstrates chronological or outline structure (cont.). 5. By the beginning of the next decade, the vaccine had become almost universal. ____________________ 6. Another aspect of residential architecture to be considered is the use of stained glass windows. _____________________ 7. The second factor in the education debate is funding. _______________________ 8. The musician’s works can be classified as belonging to one of three major periods. _____________________

The Kaplan Five-Step Method 1. Read the passage, asking questions and taking notes in the margin as you go! 2. Examine the question stem, looking for clues! 3. Select the answer choice that best matches your prediction! 4. Eliminate incorrect answer choices! 5. Look up the answers! Remember, do not waste too much time on any one question. If you do not know the answer, skip the question and come back to it later.

Condition the mind to be successful! The ACT reading test is a difficult test, and it is easy to fall into the following trap: I don’t understand! I don’t care! I give up! Believe in yourself and trust what you know. Ask yourself, “What do I understand?” And condition yourself to think this way: I understand this! I do care! I will succeed!

Exit Slip What did you learn? What questions do you have?