Evaluate Reading: Question, Highlight, Conclude

Hey guys! Ever read something and feel like it just went in one ear and out the other? We've all been there. Reading isn't just about seeing the words; it's about understanding and really engaging with what the author is trying to say. That's where evaluation comes in. Evaluating what you read is super important because it helps you not only remember the information but also think critically about it. In this article, we'll dive into some awesome strategies for evaluating your reading, focusing on asking questions, highlighting key points, and drawing conclusions. So, buckle up and let's get started!

A. Asking Yourself Questions About Things You Didn't Understand

Okay, let's kick things off with the first strategy: asking yourself questions. This is a biggie because it's the cornerstone of active reading. When you read, your brain should be buzzing with questions! Don't just passively absorb the words on the page; challenge them, question them, and dig deeper. Now, you might be thinking, "But what kind of questions should I ask?" Great question! Start with the basics. If a concept seems fuzzy, ask yourself, "What does this mean exactly?" If an argument doesn't quite make sense, question, "Why is the author saying this?" or "What evidence supports this claim?" Imagine you're reading a history textbook and it mentions a specific battle. Don't just gloss over it. Ask yourself: What were the causes of this battle? Who were the key players involved? What were the consequences of this battle? By posing these questions, you're actively engaging with the material and pushing yourself to understand the bigger picture. This is also where critical thinking comes into play. Evaluating information is a skill that’s useful in every aspect of life, not just English class! Think about the author's perspective. Are they biased in any way? What assumptions are they making? Questioning the author's viewpoint can help you form your own informed opinion. Let's say you're reading an article about climate change. You might ask yourself: What are the author's credentials? Are they affiliated with any particular organization? What other perspectives exist on this issue? Remember, there are no dumb questions! The more you question, the better you'll understand. And the more you understand, the more you'll get out of your reading. So, embrace your inner inquisitor and start questioning everything!

B. Underlining or Highlighting Words That You Don't Understand

Next up, let's talk about underlining or highlighting words you don't understand. This might seem like a super obvious strategy, but trust me, it's incredibly powerful. We've all been there, cruising through a text when BAM! We hit a word that's totally unfamiliar. What do we usually do? Skim over it, hoping it's not too important, right? Wrong! Ignoring those unfamiliar words is like trying to build a house with missing bricks. You might get the general shape, but it won't be structurally sound. When you encounter a word you don't know, the first step is to highlight or underline it immediately. This simple act signals to your brain: "Hey, pay attention! This is important!" Don't let those unknown words slip by unnoticed. Now, what do you do after you've highlighted a word? Well, the next step is to figure out what it means, of course. There are several ways to do this. You could try to use context clues. Look at the words and sentences surrounding the unfamiliar word. Can you get a sense of its meaning from the way it's used in the passage? Sometimes, the author will even provide a definition or explanation right there in the text! If context clues aren't enough, it's time to break out the dictionary. Seriously, a good dictionary is your best friend when it comes to reading comprehension. Look up the word and read the definition (or definitions – many words have multiple meanings!). Pay attention to the different ways the word can be used. Once you've found the definition, try plugging it back into the sentence you were reading. Does it make sense? If not, keep digging! Maybe there's another definition that fits better, or maybe you need to look at even more context. Another awesome resource is a thesaurus. This can help you find synonyms for the unfamiliar word, which can sometimes spark your understanding. And don't forget the power of the internet! A quick Google search can often provide even more information about a word, including its etymology (where it comes from) and how it's used in different contexts. The key here is to be proactive. Don't just let unfamiliar words intimidate you. Instead, treat them as an opportunity to expand your vocabulary and deepen your understanding of the text. By actively identifying and defining those tricky words, you'll become a much more confident and effective reader.

C. Responding to What You've Read by Drawing Conclusions About Characters, Events

Alright, let's move on to the final strategy for evaluating what you read: responding to the text by drawing conclusions. This is where you really start to flex your critical thinking muscles! Drawing conclusions means going beyond the surface level of the text and making inferences based on the evidence presented. It's like being a detective, piecing together clues to solve a mystery. You're not just regurgitating what the author said; you're adding your own interpretation and understanding. So, how do you draw conclusions effectively? First, pay close attention to the details. What are the characters saying and doing? What are the key events that are unfolding? What is the setting like? All of these details can provide valuable clues for your conclusions. Let's say you're reading a novel, and a character is constantly avoiding eye contact and fidgeting nervously. These details might lead you to conclude that the character is anxious or hiding something. Or perhaps you're reading a historical account of a particular event. By examining the causes and consequences of the event, you can draw conclusions about its significance and impact. It's essential to support your conclusions with evidence from the text. Don't just make random guesses or assumptions. Instead, point to specific passages or details that back up your thinking. This is what makes your conclusions credible and persuasive. Think of it like building a case in court. You need to have solid evidence to convince the judge and jury. Similarly, you need to have solid evidence from the text to support your conclusions. Another important aspect of drawing conclusions is to consider different interpretations. There's often more than one way to interpret a text, and it's crucial to be open to different perspectives. What might one reader conclude about a character's motivations? What might another reader conclude? By considering different interpretations, you can gain a more nuanced and complete understanding of the text. This also helps you avoid making hasty judgments or falling into the trap of confirmation bias (only seeing evidence that confirms your existing beliefs). Drawing conclusions can be applied to all sorts of texts, from novels and poems to articles and essays. It's a powerful way to engage with the material on a deeper level and develop your own informed opinions. So, the next time you're reading, don't just passively absorb the words. Actively respond to the text, draw conclusions, and let your mind explore the possibilities!

By implementing these strategies – asking questions, highlighting unfamiliar words, and drawing conclusions – you'll transform from a passive reader into an active, engaged learner. Happy reading, everyone!