WEEK 1 - ENGACPROF - THE READING PROCESS

Week 1 - The Reading Process

What is Reading?

• Definition: Cognitive process that involves decoding symbols to arrive at meaning.

• Active Process: Constructing meanings of words, involves prior knowledge and strategic understanding.

Components of Reading

• Recognition of Words: Leads to comprehension development.

• Negotiation of Meaning: Interaction between the text and the reader.

Stages of the Reading Process

1. Pre-Reading

   • Activates background knowledge.

   • Previews the text.

   • Develops a purpose for reading.

2. During Reading

   • Makes and confirms or revises predictions.

3. After Reading

   • Retells stories, discusses elements, answers questions, and creates summaries.

Comprehension

• Definition: The intentional, interactive process before, during, and after reading.

• Key Aspects: Integrates reading comprehension and vocabulary knowledge.

Reading Strategies

• Skimming

  • Rapid reading for main points.

  • Useful for previewing or refreshing understanding of text.

• Scanning

  • Quick reading to find specific information.

  • Effective for navigating sections like introductions and indices.

• Detailed Reading & Note Taking

  • Techniques include underlining, highlighting, using keywords, and summarizing.

  • Encourages active engagement with reading materials.

Making Inferences and Drawing Conclusions

• Making Inferences: Understanding implicit meanings based on background knowledge.

• Drawing Conclusions: Using visual clues and information pieces to arrive at acceptable conclusions.

Thesis Statement

• Definition: A sentence that expresses the main idea of an article or essay.

• Purpose: Control ideas and guide readers on what to expect.

Types of Thesis Statements

1. Analytical Thesis Statement

   • Analyzes challenges in specific contexts, e.g., college admissions.

2. Expository Thesis Statement

   • Describes and explains certain topics, e.g., typical college life.

3. Argumentative Thesis Statement

   • Presents arguments and evidence on a claim, e.g., community service before college.

Quote to Reflect On

• "To read without reflecting is like eating without digesting." - Edmund Burke