reading strategies

Prepared by:

JOEY F. VALDRIZ

READING is a cognitive process of decoding symbols to derive meaning from a text.

We read to gain and share information and ideas, whether for academic, personal, or professional purposes.

How to comprehend a text?

1. Identify the author’s purpose.

2. Grasp the main idea of the text.

3. Locate important details.

4. Use context clues to understand unfamiliar words.

5. Answer specific questions.

6. Analyze the text points.

7. Critique the text.

SOME READING STRATEGIES TO USE TO INCREASE UNDERSTANDING OF A TEXT

1. Getting an overview of the text

2. Using context clues

3. Using connotation and denotation


1. Getting an overview of the text

a. Previewing means looking at the readily visible parts of the text

b. Skimming means looking for the main point of the reading and identifying the ideas that develop it.

c. Scanning means looking for specific information.


2. Using Context Clues

Context Clues are words, phrases, and sentences that surround an unfamiliar word that can help you recognize the meaning of an unknown word because the text gives you information about it.

Common Types of Context Clues

1. Synonyms

They are used when the text has words or phrases that are similar in meaning to the unknown word.

a. Humpty Dumpty took great pleasure in obfuscating the poem’s meaning for Alice. His explanations about the poem were confusing and complicated.

b. Alice envisaged the Jabberwock in her mind. She imagined its sharp claws and jaws, and then shivered in fright.

c. The narrator in the poem was euphoric at his son’s victory, for he cried out triumphantly when the boy came home.


Synonyms as Context Clues

1. It was an idyllic day; sunny, warm and perfect for a walk in the park.

2. The dates are listed in chronological order. They start at the beginning and end with the last event.

3. Her animosity, or hatred, of her sister had divided the family.

4. Bill felt remorse, or shame, for his harsh words.

5. This situation is a conundrum - a puzzle.


2. Antonyms

An antonym is a word that reveals the opposite meaning in relation to the unknown word.

a. The boy in the poem surreptitiously set out to find the monster. He did not tell anyone about his plans because he did not want them to worry.

b. The Jabberwock was relentlessly pursued by the boy, unlike the others who gave up easily when they heard how terrifying the creature was.

c. The hero in the poem did not give in to trepidation; rather he bravely slayed the Jabberwock with his sword.


Antonyms as Context Clues

1. Emma had a lot of anxiety about the exam but I had no worries about it.

2. Marty is gregarious, not like his brother who is quiet and shy.

3. She is a famous singing star in her country but unknown to the rest of the world.

4. I am willing to hike in the mountains, but he is reluctant because it gets so cold walking up and down the trails.

5. Avoiding the accident was futile. Both cars did not have time to stop before crashing.


3. Examples

Examples are specific details in a text that are used to clarify the meaning of a word.

a. There are many eccentric creatures in the forest, such as mome raths and borogoves.

b. Only a few weapons are truly nifty in hunting monsters, like the vorpal sword.

c. The boy’s father was ecstatic when he found out that the Jabberwock was conquered by his son. His behavior included laughing, cheering, and hugging his son.


Examples as Context Clues

1. Some celestial bodies, such as the planets and stars, can be seen with the naked eye.

2. There was a lot of tangible evidence, including fingerprints and DNA, to prove them guilty.

3. There is a 30 percent chance of precipitation, such as snow or sleet.

4. The builder decided that the house could be built on a number of sites, for example, along a wooded path, near the ocean, or atop a mountain


4. Explanations and Definitions

Explanations may be given as clues to describe an unknown term.

Definitions may follow an unfamiliar word.

a. Humpty Dumpty told Alice that “brillig” means the same thing as four o’clock in the afternoon, because that is when people started broiling things for dinner.

b. Hearing someone “outgrabe” – which means he is whistling, bellowing, and sneezing all at once – can be a funny sight.


Explanation as Context Clues

1. The team was elated when they won the trophy.

2. During the demonstration, a skirmish broke out and the police were called to restore order.

3. The cat has a kind disposition and would never bite or claw anyone.

4. His constant questioning of my remarks made him a nuisance.

5. Something in the refrigerator has a putrid odor; the smell was rotten when we opened the door.


Definition as Context Clues

1. The arbitrator, the neutral person chosen to settle the dispute, arrive at her decision.

2. The factory supervisor demanded an inspection, which is a careful and critical examination of all of the meats processed each day.


5. Situations

The situation in which a word is used can also be helpful in determining the meaning of that word. The meaning of a word may change depending on its context, or how and where it is used.

a. The boy wondered if he should have brought some back up, in case he could not take on the Jabberwock by himself.

b. The hero’s conquest of the Jabberwock is an exemplary case of bravery.

c. The hero is lucky that the murder of the Jabberwock does not merit a case in court.


Situations as Context Clues

1. Give 3 meanings of the word “jam”.

2. Give 3 meanings of the word “mine”.

Signal words for context clues:

1. Synonyms – “like”, “as”, “or”

2. Antonyms – “although”, “but”, “despite”, “instead”, “in contrast”, “unlike”, “however”, “even though”, “on the contrary”, “conversely”

3. Examples – “such as”, “like”, “included”, “includes”, “types”, “kinds”

4. Explanations – “because”, “that is”

5. Definitions – “is”, “means”, “defined as”, “refers to”


3. Using Connotation and Denotation

Two Ways to Describe the Meaning of a Word:

Denotation is the basic, precise, literal meaning of a word that can be found in the dictionary.

Connotation is the positive, negative, or neutral feelings, attitudes, ideas, or associations with a word

What is the difference between denotation and connotation?

Father Daddy

Denotation: a male parent Denotation: a male parent

Connotation:

Association – positive

Feelings – love and respect

Connotation:

Association – positive

Feelings – love, familiarity, childhood

What is the difference between denotation and connotation?

House Home Shanty

a place where people

live (denotation)


live (denotation)


live (denotation)

“ a building in which

someone lives

(neutral connotation)

“a place of warmth

and comfort and

familiarity” (positive

connotation)

“small, crudely built

shack” (negative

connotation)

Which of the following has a positive connotation? Negative connotation?

chubby voluptuous fat

chatty glib loudmouthed

Denotation and Connotation

Tita Jennifer says: Archie is thrifty.

Tita Joanna says: Archie is stingy.

Tita Jennifer says: Archie is very focused on his job.

Tita Joanna says: Archie is very obsessed with his job.

Last night, I chatted with a woman.

Last night, I chatted with a chick.

What is the difference among the three?

1. Annette was surprised.

2. Annette was amazed.

3. Annette was astonished.

What is the denotation and connotation?

1. There are over 2,000 homeless in the city.

2. There are over 2,000 people with no fixed address in the city.

3. There are over 2,000 vagrants in the city.

Reading and Writing Skills by Marella

Therese A. Tiongson and Maxine Rafaella C.

Rodriguez

reading strategies

Education