Pre-Reading: Strategic Preparation
Effective reading begins before you encounter the first word. Strategic preparation activates prior knowledge and creates a framework for understanding complex texts.
🎯 The SQ3R Method
Survey
Scan titles, headings, images, and structure to predict content
Question
Generate specific questions you want the text to answer
Read, Recite, Review
Active reading, summarize sections, reinforce key points
📊 Text Analysis Framework
- Identify text type and purpose
- Assess complexity and length
- Note visual elements and organization
- Activate relevant background knowledge
🔍 Vocabulary Pre-Check
- Scan for unknown key terms
- Look up 3-5 critical words only
- Predict meaning from context
- Note recurring technical terms
Active Reading Techniques
🧠 Cognitive Strategies
Making Connections
- • Link to personal experiences
- • Connect to other texts you've read
- • Relate to world knowledge
- • Draw parallels to current events
Questioning While Reading
- • "What does the author mean here?"
- • "How does this support the main idea?"
- • "What evidence is provided?"
- • "What might happen next?"
✏️ Annotation System
⏰ Reading Speed Techniques
Quick overview, main ideas, 3-4x normal speed
Search for specific information, keywords
Detailed analysis, slow and thorough
Text-Type Specific Strategies
📰 News Articles
Structure Awareness
- • Lead paragraph: who, what, when, where
- • Inverted pyramid: most important first
- • Headlines and subheadings as guides
- • Quotes for different perspectives
Critical Reading
- • Identify bias and perspective
- • Distinguish fact from opinion
- • Check sources and credibility
- • Note missing information
📚 Academic Texts
Read carefully for thesis, methodology, and key findings before diving into content
Summarize each section, note supporting evidence, track argument development
Use references for additional reading, check credibility of sources
📖 Literature
Narrative Elements
- • Character development and motivation
- • Setting and its significance
- • Plot structure and pacing
- • Point of view and narrative voice
Literary Devices
- • Symbolism and metaphors
- • Theme and message
- • Tone and mood
- • Cultural and historical context
Vocabulary in Context
🔍 Context Clue Types
"The archaeologist used carbon dating, a method of determining age, to analyze the artifact."
"Many nocturnal animals, such as owls and bats, hunt during the night."
"Unlike his usually taciturn nature, John was surprisingly chatty at the party."
📝 Vocabulary Learning Strategy
Don't Stop for Every Word
Continue reading if the general meaning is clear
Mark and Return
Note important unknown words, look up later
Create Personal Dictionary
Record new words with context sentences and personal examples
Your Reading Mastery Plan
Week 1-2: Foundation
Practice SQ3R method, develop annotation system, start with easier texts
Week 3-4: Diversification
Try different text types, practice speed reading, expand vocabulary system
Month 2+: Advanced Practice
Tackle complex academic texts, develop critical analysis skills