Reading Strategy: Ask Questions

Do you ever wonder about something when you read? Do you ever get confused? Then ask yourself a question, and look for the answer in the text.

Reading Strategy Ask Questions
    How to Self-Question

  • 1. As you read, ask yourself questions about the text.

  • 2. Ask questions based on the 5Ws and H: Who?, What?, When?, Where?, Why?, and How? Write your questions on sticky notes.

  • 3. To find the answers, you can usually reread or read on. If the answer is not in the text, look in another resource or ask someone else.

Strategy in Action

Here’s how one student asked questions.

Look Into the Text: The Wonder Ship

On April 10, 1912, hundreds of people packed a dock in Southampton, England. They came to see Titanic, a ship that was about to leave on its first trip. And what a ship it was!

How big was Titanic?

It was as long as four city blocks.

“To answer, I just read on. The answer is right there.”

Titanic was the largest ship in the world—as long as four city blocks. Many people called it the “wonder ship.” It was like a floating palace, with a swimming pool, carved wood, and fancy gold lights. It also had many rich and famous passengers who wanted to be the first to ride on this great ship.

Why was Titanic such a great ship?

It had a pool and fancy things.

“To answer, I had to reread the text.”

Practice Together

Reread the passage about Titanic and ask yourself two questions. Follow the steps in the How-To box. Put your sticky notes by the text above.