Thurs. Oct. 3 Active Reading

Today, I did a reading check and discovered a large number of students needed a review on how to read actively. I have posted the notes below. For homework, you are to actively read the essay "The Lowest Animal" by Mark Twain using these steps.

How to Read Actively (Abridged)

(During and a bit of After)

 

1.      Analyze the title (before your read). Write down in one or two words what it might mean.

2.      Count the number of paragraphs (this is a “before” activity but, oh well). Put the numbers beside them.

3.      Read the first paragraph

a.      If it is an essay

                                                              i.      Highlight the thesis (or main points)

                                                            ii.      Highlight and define unknown words, allusions, phrases (allusions are references to historical times, books plays, people, etc that the writer would expect the reader to be familiar with).

                                                          iii.      Paraphrase the paragraph (in one or two words!!!!!!!)

4.      Read and do steps for ALL paragraphs.

5.      Summarize work at the end (three sentences only!)

6.      Determine topic and purpose (if not an essay)