Introduction

Chapter 2: Stages of Reading

Some students don’t know when they don’t know. They continue to read even though they do not comprehend. This chapter provides information about the reading process in terms of strategies for “before reading,” “during reading,” and “after reading” for the purpose of eliminating gaps in comprehension. These reading strategies or stages include previewing text, integrating knowledge and recalling and reflecting upon what has been read. More specifically, previewing requires the reader to pay particular attention to questions, titles, introductions, subheadings, italicized and boldface print, visual aids, and marginal notations. The value of previewing sections such as conclusions, summaries, and reviews is also discussed.

Five thinking strategies of good readers are explained. They include: (1) making educated guesses, (2) forming images, (3) drawing comparisons, (4) checking understanding, and (5) correcting gaps in understanding. In addition to these strategies, reflection and recall strategies are presented in light of literal, interpretive, and applied levels of reading comprehension.

Finally, before, during and after reading exercises accompany three readings in the areas of psychology, science, and business with additional topic-related Internet activities. An added feature on Everyday Reading Skills includes information on reading news and feature articles in the newspaper.