Active Reader

"Active readers" interact with the text:

• Visualize 

• Ask questions 

• Make predictions about what they are readinguse context clues to figure out unfamiliar vocabulary, so that it doesn't impede what they are reading

• Make connections between themselves and what they are reading

• React to what they are reading

• Reflect

• Actively read the text by underlining or highlighting the topic sentences and key ideas, along with the details that support them. Make notes in the margin related to the areas that belong in the summary. Strike through or leave alone areas that do not contribute to an effective summary. Remember, just because an idea or detail is interesting, does not mean it belongs in the summary!

• Begin writing original sentences that capture the identified key ideas and details. For each section of text, write a meaningful sentence that captures the main idea or focus of that section. Be sure that you use your own words as you write.