ELA Reading Strategies

In class, we've been working on many strategies to help us read ELA passages and respond to questions. 

Here are some strategies we’re learning in class:

Before reading the passage:

·      Read the directions carefully. Figure out what kind of passage you’re reading (story, article, fable), and ask, “What is everything I know about this genre?” For example, a fiction story will include characters with traits, a problem and a solution, a setting, and will often include a lesson or moral.

When you’re reading the passage:

·      Read through the passage carefully. If you’re reading on your own, stop and think along the way, based on what you know about the genre. If you’re reading with a partner, stop and talk along the way.

After reading the passage:

·      Read the question. Cover the answer choices with your hand.
·      Think about what answer makes sense. You will probably need to re-read part of the passage to figure it out. Say what you think the answer is in a simple sentence.
·      Look at ALL the answer choices before making a decision. Think, “Is there an answer choice that matches what I thought the answer was? Is there another answer choice that makes more sense?”
·      You might need to eliminate answer choices that don’t make sense to narrow down your options.
·      Choose the best option, and circle it!