Introduction
The Pre-Reading Method is a technique which enables readers to save time and effort by spending it exclusively on the most important parts of their reading assignments. Readers can utilize this method to warm up and prepare their mind for reading so that they can perform their best, get the most out of reading materials, and increase their comprehension.
How To Use This Technique
- Make sure you understand the type of text you have. Ask yourself: What type of work am I reading? Is it information-based, like a newspaper, textbook, or manual? Or is it more creative/artistic, like a novel or short story? This matters!
- Decide on the purpose of your reading. The reason why you’re reading has an impact on how you read. For instance, reading a novel for a class can be different than reading a novel for pleasure, since you’ll be expected to understand and remember the text rather than just enjoy the experience of reading it. Ask yourself: What am I reading for?
- Scan your reading before you begin. Whatever the purpose of your reading is, taking a few minutes to look the piece over is very helpful. Check and see how the work is structured and presented. These are easy ways to increase your understanding.
Speed Up / Slow Down
Thanks to Dartmouth's reading comprehension resources, here is a great list of items which you should refer to when covering content.
Speed up when you see...
|
Slow down when you see...
|
The Pivotal Words
The following list of words is a powerful reference for guiding your focus while reading.
In reality, you could condense most of your reading to simply skipping between these pivotal words and their surrounding text.
Consider the following list (via Dartmouth) and think about how it would affect your reading focus.
In reality, you could condense most of your reading to simply skipping between these pivotal words and their surrounding text.
Consider the following list (via Dartmouth) and think about how it would affect your reading focus.
- Additive Words
- Also, Further, Moreover, And, Furthermore, Too, Besides, In Addition
- Also, Further, Moreover, And, Furthermore, Too, Besides, In Addition
- Equivalent Words
- As well as, At the same time, Similarly, Equally important, Likewise
- As well as, At the same time, Similarly, Equally important, Likewise
- Amplification Words
- For example, Specifically, For instance, Such as, Like
- For example, Specifically, For instance, Such as, Like
- Alternative Words
- Either/or, Other than, Neither/nor, Otherwise
- Either/or, Other than, Neither/nor, Otherwise
- Repetitive Words
- Again, In other words, To repeat, That is (i.e.)
- Again, In other words, To repeat, That is (i.e.)
- Contrast and Change Words
- But, On the contrary, Still, Conversely, On the other hand, Though, Despite, Instead of, Yet, However, Rather than, Regardless, Nevertheless, Even though, Whereas, In spit of, Notwithstanding
- But, On the contrary, Still, Conversely, On the other hand, Though, Despite, Instead of, Yet, However, Rather than, Regardless, Nevertheless, Even though, Whereas, In spit of, Notwithstanding
- Cause and Effect Words
- Accordingly, Since, Then, Because, So, Thus, Consequently, Hence, Therefore, For this reason
- Accordingly, Since, Then, Because, So, Thus, Consequently, Hence, Therefore, For this reason
- Qualifying Words
- If, Although, Unless, Providing, Whenever
- If, Although, Unless, Providing, Whenever
- Concession Words
- Accepting the data, Granted that, Of course
- Accepting the data, Granted that, Of course
- Emphasizing Words
- Above all, More important, Indeed
- Above all, More important, Indeed
- Order Words
- First, Second, Next, Last, Finally
- First, Second, Next, Last, Finally
- Time Words
- Afterwards, Meanwhile, Now, Before, Subsequently, Presently, Formerly, Ultimately, Previously
- Afterwards, Meanwhile, Now, Before, Subsequently, Presently, Formerly, Ultimately, Previously
- Summarizing Words
- In summary, In conclusion, In brief, For these reasons
- In summary, In conclusion, In brief, For these reasons
Tips & Tricks
Make sure you understand the type of text you have.
- For instance, if you’re reading to follow instructions (like a recipe or assembly guide), you’ll need to understand the exact meaning of each step.
- If you’re reading a text that has lots of information, like a textbook, then you’ll be reading most of all for new information on things you don’t know or understand.
Decide on the purpose of your reading.
- If you’re reading to gain information (for instance, to meet work or school requirements), you’ll probably want to try extensive techniques.
- If you’re reading to practice pronunciation, learn vocabulary, or study grammar, you’ll probably want to try intensive techniques. Here is a video to tell you why you need to read with purpose
|
Scan your reading before you begin.
- Does the work have a title?
- Is there are a table of contents you can scan?
- Is the work divided into separate sections?
- Does the work have any “extras,” like bolded key words, illustrations, or graphs?
|
Resources
Show What You Know:
Pre-Reading Method
The following quiz is designed to test your knowledge.
Please do not use this webpage while taking the quiz.
Scroll down to take it when you are ready,
and feel free to re-take it as many times as you want!
Miss A Few Questions?
Review the webpage above, and then click "Edit Your Response" above to improve your score!