Reading Strategy: Visualize

When you visualize, you form mental images—pictures in your mind. As you read an article, visualize the people, places, and events in the text. This helps you understand and remember what you read.

Reading Strategy Visualize
    How to Form Mental Images

  • 1. Find Details Look for words that describe people, places, or events. Look for descriptive words that explain ideas.

  • 2. Focus on the Words Use the words to create pictures in your mind.

Strategy in Action

Here’s how one student formed mental images while reading.

Look Into the Text

The first motion pictures were made in the 1890s. They were usually very short and simple. Some were only thirty seconds long! In my mind, I picture a short movie without fancy costumes or scenes. People were fascinated with moving images. In my mind, I see a movie theater full of people who look amazed.

In 1910, Thomas Edison made the movie Frankenstein. It was only sixteen minutes. It terrified moviegoers, though. In the 1920s, a horror movie revolution began. People made numerous silent horror films.

Practice Together

Try visualizing as you reread this passage about horror films. Look for descriptive details. Use the words to create pictures in your mind. Then write a sentence to tell what you visualize.