MONITORING UNDERSTANDING
Sometimes it can be difficult to grasp the meaning of a passage, especially if it contains a great many facts and technical material. As they read, strong readers monitor their understanding to make sure they fully comprehend the text. This helps them get the most from their reading.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
How can you monitor your understanding to make sure you're on the right track as you read? Start by calling a time-out at the end of every section. For example, turn to Chapter 19 on pages 444464 of Biology: The Web of Life. You could call a time-out at the end of the following pages:
- 445
- 451
- 454
- 457
- 461
- 464
What pattern do you see? Each of these pages is the end of a section. The questions on the last page of the section are designed to help you monitor your understanding by checking your comprehension.
It is a good idea to pause and monitor your understanding at a natural stopping place, such as the end of a section. But if you're getting lost in the middle of a section, don't hesitate to pause and regroup.
STEPS TO FOLLOW
As you pause in your reading, ask yourself, "What am I having trouble understanding?" Once you have an answer, try some of the strategies below to help you organize your thoughts.
- Read more slowly. Take your time to make sure you're reading the words, not just looking at them.
- Reread any parts that confuse you.
- Visualize what you have read. You do this by forming a picture in your mind from the details you have read.
- If you are reading part of a chapter, reread "What you'll learn" to be certain you are focusing on the key ideas and vocabulary words in the passage.
- Make sure you understand the main idea. Check your comprehension by restating or summarizing what you have read in your own words.
- Ask yourself questions to assess your comprehension. Concentrate on areas you found confusing.
- Look at visuals, such as pictures and graphs. See how they relate to the main idea of the reading.
- Make sure you understand the vocabulary. Ask yourself, "Do I know what all the words mean?" If not, use the techniques you have learned to decode unfamiliar words.
- Ask a teacher, friend, or parent for help.
TRY IT!
Read "Characteristics of Flowers" on pages 463464 of Biology: The Web of Life and apply some of the techniques explained on this page.
1. What is the main idea of this section?
2. What are two questions that you asked yourself as you read the section?
3. How is Figure 19.15 related to what you read?
Check your work HERE.
To practice what you've just learned, go to Worksheet 5.2.
To learn about another reading strategy, go to Reading Strategy 5.1.
Reading Strategy 5.1 | Worksheet 5.1
Reading Strategy 5.2 | Worksheet 5.2
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