Critical Reading Strategies

Summary

The video introduces essential strategies for critical reading to help readers better understand and complete tasks based on texts. It covers pre-reading steps such as identifying the task, scanning the text, and making predictions. During reading, it discusses techniques like marking key words, inserting symbols, and annotating. After reading, it emphasizes reflecting on personal insights, understanding the author's main points, and revisiting notes to complete tasks. The methods aim to enhance comprehension and engagement with both fiction and non-fiction texts.

Takeaways

• 📖 Understand the task before reading, which could be writing a summary, comparing texts, or preparing for a discussion.
• 🔍 Pre-read by scanning the text: check the title, images, and subheadings to make predictions about the content.
• 📝 Number the paragraphs to easily refer back to key information during discussion or writing.
• 📚 Read the first and last paragraphs before diving into the entire text to adjust or confirm your predictions.
• 🔄 During reading, read the text once for general understanding and again while marking the text using various strategies.
• ✏️ Use different methods to annotate: circle keywords, underline claims, use symbols like check marks or question marks, and write in the margins.
• 💡 Highlight standout information, but be cautious not to over-highlight; focus on what's important or personally significant.
• 🤔 After reading, reflect on your own ideas: Was your prediction correct? Did you learn something new?
• 🧠 Reflect on the text: Can you identify the author's main point or argument? What do you need to clarify?
• 📑 Revisit your annotated text to complete any tasks, ensuring that your notes guide you in understanding and completing your assignment.

Q & A

What is the essential question addressed in the introduction to critical reading strategies?

The essential question is 'How do I approach a text so that I can read for understanding and to complete a task?'

What are the three aspects of approaching a text mentioned in the script?

The three aspects of approaching a text are: pre-reading (before reading), during reading, and after reading.

What is the first thing to do before reading a text?

Before reading, the first step is to read the task and understand what you will need to do after reading the text, such as writing a summary, comparing texts, or preparing for a debate.

Why is making predictions about the text important during pre-reading?

Making predictions is important because it gives your brain something to watch for while reading and helps prepare you to understand the information that follows.

What should you do during the initial reading of a text?

During the initial reading, you should read the text once through for a general understanding without marking or annotating the text.

What is the purpose of marking a text, and what are some methods mentioned?

Marking a text helps in identifying key information and understanding it better. Methods include circling keywords, underlining claims, inserting symbols, writing in the margins, and highlighting standout information.

How can you mark a text if you're using a textbook that you cannot write in?

If you cannot write in the textbook, you can use sticky notes, flags, or caps to mark and annotate the text.

What symbols can be used when inserting symbols while reading?

Common symbols include a check mark for known or agreed information, an addition sign for new information, a subtraction sign for contrasting information, an exclamation mark for surprising content, and a question mark for areas that require further clarification or connection.

What should you reflect on after reading the text?

After reading, you should reflect on your own ideas, the accuracy of your predictions, your opinion on the text, and personal connections. Also, reflect on whether you understand the author's main argument or if any information needs clarification.

How can reviewing a marked-up text help with completing the task?

Reviewing a marked-up text helps you quickly refer back to important information, ensuring that you understand the task and are ready to complete it effectively.