Reading Strategy: Plan Your Reading

You can get more from reading nonfiction if you preview it and set a purpose before you read.

Reading Strategy: Plan Your Reading
    How to Preview and Set A Purpose

  • 1. First, look at the title and headings. Then, look at photos, captions, and other text features. Think about what kind of information they give.

  • 2. Decide what you want to learn as you read. Write questions that you would like to answer.

  • 3. Read the selection to answer your questions.

Strategy in Action

Here’s how one student previewed the text and set a purpose in “Familiar Places.”

Look Into the Text

heading Familiar Food

In any city, you can find all different kinds of food. Some foods feel more like home, though.

photo

photo

caption
Washington, DC, has a community known as Little Ethiopia. There are many Ethiopian restaurants there.

Notes

Title: Familiar Places

Heading: Familiar Food

My question: Why is the food familiar?

“The heading uses the word familiar. I guess this idea is important. I wonder what makes the food familiar.”

Practice Together

Preview the rest of the selection. Follow the steps in the How-To box. List the headings. Write questions to set a purpose. Read on to find the answers.