EBR - Reading Actively Lesson

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Reading Actively

The most important thing a student can do when completing the reading passage section of the SAT is to read ACTIVELY! When someone completes the math section of the SAT, he or she will work out the problems in the test booklet. Rarely do students mark on the text of a reading passage, but this will help them to read critically and to answer those hard critical reading questions.

So what does it mean to Read Actively?

As you read a passage:

  • Underline main ideas and things you think are important
  • Circle words you don't understand
  • Put question marks next to the things you don't understand

You will be surprised how many questions actually refer you back to things you have already noticed about the passage. Because you have already marked these sentences, it is easy to locate them in the passage. Furthermore, your attention has already been drawn to this portion of the passage, so you don't have to spend time searching for the answers to the questions.

Reading actively will also keep a student-focused on what it is he/she is reading about. It is easy to become distracted during the SAT and for your mind to wander. You want to remain as focused as possible on the given passage.

Please look at this example Links to an external site. of a critical reading passage. This passage has been annotated for you. Pay close attention to things that have been highlighted and underlined.

You can also view the following video, which will explain and walk you through the annotations.

 

Now complete the following self-assessment over the SAT passage provided. This activity will provide you with good practice for the reading section.

 

The following questions will help students to improve their critical reading skills:

  1. What is the general topic of the passage?
  2. What is the main issue or problem?
  3. What conclusion is reached?
  4. Is it based on fact, fiction, or faith?
  5. Look at the types of words used - examine the diction (the way words are used in a sentence) and syntax (the arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences).  
  6. Examine the rhetoric (effective persuasive speaking or writing) if possible
  7. Why is what the author is saying significant?

Ask these questions after reading any passage. Once you are in the habit of thinking about a passage in this way, it will help you to read more critically.

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