Pre-Reading

Actually Reading the Text

You can do this strategy whether you have done any of the others up until now. If you did the mapping, please refer to it for beginning this exercise. These directions are written as if you have not done the mapping.

Open a text file (or write at the top of separate sheets of paper):

The book title in question form.
The title of the first chapter or unit in question form.

The masters below can be made all at once or as you go. The more you do up front the broader picture you have of the author’s structure (if you did mapping earlier this has already been done). However, do what you need to do to remain flexible. Your questions may change as you proceed.

From these masters make separate master sheets or files for each chapter or major section of the book.

Write each title as a question.
From each of Unit master sheet, create separate master sheets for each chapter.
Write each chapter title as a question.
You now have a worksheet of working file for each chapter. Each file leads with a reminder and question regarding the overall theme and sub-themes.

From the chapter masters begin by creating questions from each of the headings within each chapter, be sure to include space for introductory material and do a sheet for introductions not included within each chapter.

Review the heading questions before you read. As you read, be sure you are listening to the author. Keep in mind that this is a dialogue – or can be a dialogue. Notice questions that come up and be ready to see their answers. (I like to read through once before going on to actually the following study) As you read write most significant questions down. After significant meaning units (maybe paragraph, maybe more or less) Summarize what the author has said. See if you have other questions (either what you think he will address or what you would like to have him address) Work with vocabulary as needed or desired. When finished answer the question you created about the segment or write a short summary. Consider answering questions or summarizing questions higher in the structure (that is the Part or Book or Title question). Or do any part of this that might be helpful to you.