Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL)

The Purdue University has a fantastic resource called the Online Writing Lab or OWL.  They have a comprehensive area covering research and citation in MLA, APA and Chicago Styles.  Use the link below to ensure that you are citing your references properly.

 https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/2/

 This link is used with the permission of the Purdue University and Purdue OWL.

 

 

Top Ten Reading Strategies

The following list provides ten reading strategies identified by High School English teachers, within Palliser, to improve literacy skills.  Students using these strategies will improve their reading and comprehension skills. 


Pre-reading


1.     Previewing-Define the type of text and the purpose for reading; scan titles and headings to help determine the main idea before you read it. Refer to any accompanying visuals or introductory information to determine how it impacts the text.  Look for contextual clues like information on authors or publication dates.

2.     Predictions- Before and during your reading use genre, type of text, and text structure cues (for example plot structure) to direct you to important information. Use layout cues of the text to predict outcomes.

3.     Vocabulary-Develop a broad spectrum of words you can readily define.  Keep a journal of new words handy in a separate section of your binder.

 

During Reading/Ongoing Reading


4.     Annotation Strategies-Underline and take notes on the text before, during, and after reading to search for key ideas, make connections, pose questions and interpret ideas. Retain ideas by underlining, making notes in the margins or making notes in a separate notebook.

5.     Visualize-Proficient readers mentally visualize what they are reading.  Try to create a mental picture in your head using the author’s words. Record visual images in the margin of the text or on a separate piece of paper.

6.     Personalize-Connect the text to your own life. Make personal connections between what you are reading, your prior knowledge and issues or themes that matter to you.

7.     Inferences-Relate background knowledge to characters, setting, plot development, theme, and outcomes.

8.     Chunk- Divide the text into smaller pieces (stanzas, paragraphs) and paraphrase them to get the main idea.  After reading a chunk, jot down in point form details that you noticed, what you are wondering about, and/or what is not making sense.  Move on to the next chunk.


Post Reading


9.     Determining Importance-Identify essential ideas and information by summarizing the text.

10.   Reflect-Determine what you have learned, how you can demonstrate it and how you can apply it to future study.  Use a variety of techniques (discussion, reciting, and journaling) to synthesize this knowledge.