Reading Strategies

1) Preview the text

Read the title:My Fat GirlfriendIt is symbolic and descriptive.

2) Contextualizing

Place the text in a cultural and historical context.

Is it in the past, present or future?

Can the events happen is any culture or only a specific one?

3) Questioning to comprehend betterAsk yourself questions as you read

each paragraphAsk questions about the main

ideasExample: Who is narrating the

story?What conflict is presented?What is the tone of the narrator?

(mad, sad, happy, anxious, etc)

4) Reflecting on your own beliefs and values

As you read, think about how the text challenges your own view of the world.

Do you agree with the author?

What would have you done if you were part of that event?

5) Summarizing

Create an outline first

Summarize the main ideas in your own words

Write down any important information you found in the text

6) Evaluate and Argument

After you read, you must argue in favor or against the text

If you are in favor, it means you support the content and accept it as true

If you are against, you must claim your choice with evidence (facts, examples, statistics, reliable sources)

7) Comparing and Contrasting

It is recommended that you compare the text with others concerning the same issues.