1.  Session 1 Pre-Reading Strategies

2. 1. Look over the titles, headings, and text features  Although it sounds silly, many people jump into a text without reading the title and other text features.  Doing this will help your mind prepare for this topic before you read.

3. 2. Form questions based on title, headings, or text features  After you look at the title and other text features, consider some questions.  What would you ask the author if he/she was in front of you?  What would you ask in class if this topic came up?

4. 3. Analyze text structure  Before you read, always look over the text and identify details about how it was written.  Is it organized into paragraphs, columns, or sections?  Are there any lists?  Does it contain any graphics, charts, or images?  Does the text have an obvious theme or recurring structure?

5. 4. Skim the text  Skimming the text is not the same as reading!  Move your eyes over the page quickly.  Spend about 30 seconds.  What words and phrases stand out to you?

6. 5. Make predictions about the text  Whether you are right or wrong, making predictions will help you understand what you read.  Based on what you know so far, what will this author write about?  What kinds of ideas do you believe she/he will cover?

7. 6. Read the introduction and conclusion  Reading the beginning and end of an informational text can help you determine the author’s perspective before you read.  When you know the author’s perspective, it is easier to categorize ideas that you find in the text.  Do not do this with fictional narrative (stories)! This only works with articles, textbook chapters, essays, etc.

8. 7. Brainstorm your own knowledge of the topic  What do you know about this topic?  Brainstorming your own knowledge allows you to make connections to what you read.  Often it helps to make a list or web.

9. 8. Make associations  After you have discovered the topic of this text and predicted some ideas that may be included, make associations.  Make associations by linking the author’s ideas and ideas you have gained elsewhere.  Have you heard anyone else talk about this topic?  Have you read about it somewhere before?  Have you learned about it through some form of media?

10. 9. Brainstorm reasons the author would be writing about this topic  The big question to consider when reading is always WHY???  Why would the author write this text?  Is it intended for a particular audience?  Is the author trying to persuade, inform, or entertain the readers?

11. 10. Form opinions on the topic  Forming your own personal opinion can help you understand someone else’s. Perhaps you will agree with the author. Perhaps you will disagree.  Forming an opinion can also help you recognize the difference between facts and opinions as you read.  What do you think about this topic?  Why is it important for readers to learn?