TOEFL PREPARATION: Reading Comprehension Strategy 7,8, 9

Summary

In this lesson on Unit 3 reading comprehension, the focus is on three strategies: using structural clues to define words, determining the meanings of difficult words through context, and understanding simple words based on context. The video emphasizes how individual uniqueness is key to personal growth, as illustrated by a motivational proverb. Through practical examples such as the Tomahawk and Black Widow texts, viewers learn to apply context clues and structural hints to improve their reading comprehension skills. The session encourages continuous learning and self-improvement while mastering these essential strategies.

Takeaways

• 😀 Embrace your uniqueness: Strive to be yourself instead of fitting in with others. Understanding your strengths and special qualities will help you achieve personal growth and success.
• 😀 Strategy 7: Learn to define words using structural clues within a text. Clues in the passage can help identify the correct meaning of unfamiliar terms.
• 😀 Strategy 8: Use context to determine the meaning of difficult words in reading comprehension. The surrounding text provides clues that can guide your understanding of complex terms.
• 😀 Strategy 9: Use context to determine the meanings of simple words in reading tests. Focus on the situation and context in the passage to correctly interpret words beyond their basic meanings.
• 😀 The proverb shared encourages self-awareness and self-confidence. It highlights that trying to be 'normal' can prevent you from realizing your full potential.
• 😀 In Strategy 7, the example text about 'tomahawk' demonstrates how context and structural clues help identify the right definition, in this case, an 'axe.'
• 😀 In Strategy 8, the example about 'widow' explains how context helps us understand that the term refers to a 'female spider' whose mate has died.
• 😀 For Strategy 9, the word 'rogue' in the context of the Spanish peso suggests that its meaning is 'approximate,' not its literal meaning of 'smooth.'
• 😀 Context clues are a crucial tool for improving reading comprehension. By paying attention to these clues, readers can unlock meanings of words that aren't immediately clear.
• 😀 The session encourages learners to actively engage with the material, solve problems, and build on their own strengths and insights for personal development.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the proverb discussed in the transcript?

The proverb highlights the importance of embracing individuality and not trying to conform to others. It encourages learners to recognize their own strengths and uniqueness instead of imitating others.

What does Strategy 7 focus on in reading comprehension?

Strategy 7 focuses on using structural clues from the text to determine the meaning of words. It involves analyzing the passage and identifying words' definitions based on their surrounding context.

What is an example of applying Strategy 7?

An example of applying Strategy 7 is when the word 'tomahawk' is defined in the passage as a small axe. The reader uses the context of the passage to choose the correct definition, which is 'an axe' (Option D).

How does Strategy 8 differ from Strategy 7?

Strategy 8 focuses on using context to determine the meanings of difficult words, while Strategy 7 deals with finding definitions through structural clues. Strategy 8 emphasizes understanding complex words in the context of the passage.

What example is given to explain Strategy 8?

An example used for Strategy 8 involves the word 'widow.' The passage explains that a 'widow' is a female whose mate has died, which is the correct meaning based on the context provided in the text about the black widow spider.

What does Strategy 9 focus on in reading comprehension?

Strategy 9 focuses on using context to determine the meanings of simpler words. It helps readers understand the non-literal meanings of words based on the context in which they are used.

How is Strategy 9 applied in the example about the word 'roguish'?

In Strategy 9, the word 'roguish' is analyzed in the context of the text about coins. The correct meaning is 'approximate' (Option C), as the passage explains that 'roguish' refers to a coin that is the equivalent of the American dollar, not the basic meaning of 'roguish.'

What is the key to using Strategy 7 effectively?

The key to using Strategy 7 effectively is to identify and analyze structural clues within the text, such as how a word is described or related to other terms, to determine its meaning accurately.

Why is understanding context crucial in Strategy 8?

Understanding context is crucial in Strategy 8 because it helps readers determine the meaning of difficult words by focusing on the surrounding text, which provides clues that may differ from the word's typical dictionary definition.

What is the primary objective of using Strategy 9 in reading?

The primary objective of Strategy 9 is to understand simple words in a deeper context. This strategy focuses on identifying how a word's meaning can change based on the situation described in the text.