previewing and predicting, activating prior knowledge, questioning to academic and literacy texts

PREVIEWING AND PREDICTING

Previewing

            Before you start on a trip, you usually look at map. It helps you plan your way. Then you know what expect as you travel. This is a good idea in reading, too. look before you read. Then it is much easier to understand.

            That is what you do when you PREVIEW.

Read this passage.

            The first time you try it, ask someone to help you may play if  no one holds you up. it is a good idea to start on the sidewalk the street may be dangerous. After you start, do not stop. Try to go faster. That will help you to stay up. Remember, even little children can do this. and once you  how, will never forget!

Passage A

A BUSY STUDENT

            Tomiko is happy to be a students in New York. She is studying English at Columbia University. She plans to finish her English course in June. Then she will work her master’s degree at New York University.

            Tomiko likes the many beautiful buildings in New York. In fact, she plants to become an architect. Then she can build great buildings, too.

            Tomiko also likes the people in New York city. There are many different kings of people. they speak many language. Tomiko has made new friends from other countries.

            Best of all, Tomiko loves the theaters in New York. She Goes to plays almost very week. sometimes the plays are in theaters on Broadway. Sometimes the plays are in small theaters in other parts of the city.

Tomiko is far from her home in Japan.  But she is not sad. She goes to classes every day. She visits her friends. She goes to see new places. And she attend many plays. She is very busy and happy in New York.

How many did you answer correctly?                                                                                                    

"Previewing is one of the most important  reading skills. You should always preview before you read. You will find that you understand more if you preview first.

You can learn a lot about a passage if you read just a few important sentences. This is the reason for PREVIEWING.

Preview this passage. Read only the underlined sentences. You will have 30 seconds to preview.

Passage B

LANGUAGE LEARNING IN THE UNITED STATES

            Most people in the United States speak only one language: English. They do not learn to speak a second language. High schools teach languages. But very few students learn to speak well. Why don’t Americans speak other languages?

            First, most Americans never travel to other countries. The United States is a very large country. Americans can travel a long distance and not leave the United States. They do  not need to learn a second language.

            Second, one of the countries next to the United States is Canada. Most people in Canada speak English. Some Americans live near Canada. They travel there often. But they do not have to learn a new language.

            Third, many people in other parts of the world speak English. If Americans travel to other countries, they can speak English there, Too.

            Some Americans think that it is a mistake to speak only English. They believe it is very important to learn a second language. Maybe someone other Americans will agree. Then more people will speak a second language in the United States.

Now turn the page and answer the question. Circle the best answer. Don’t look at the passage!

1.      Most Americans never learn to speak…………

a.       English.

b.      a second language.                              (25)

c.       to people in other countries.

d.      fluently

2.      Most Americans speak only English because……….

a.       they can’t learn another language.

b.      they never travel to other countries.       (25)

c.       other languages are not important.

d.      they don’t have language classes in school.

3.      In other parts of the world………

a.       everyone speaks English.

b.      no one speaks English.                      (25)

c.       many people speak English.

d.      everyone speaks a second language.

4.      Some Americans think it is a mistake to………

a.       learn other languages.

b.      speak only English.                         (25)

c.       travel  to other countries.

d.      go to school.

REMEMBER: Always preview before you read!

 

PREDICTING

            To predict means to tell what will happen. You will be a better reader if you predict. As you read, guess what will happen. You can use words and pictures to help you predict. Work with another student.

                                                                             

a.

                           

                           

Exercise

Will you find these ideas in the story? Check Yes or No                                                                                             Score: 100                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Yes or No

                                                                                                            Yes                  No

1.     There are many poor people on Boston.                                                                                               

2.     The spring flowers are Beautiful in Boston.                                                                                 

3.     There are many University in Boston.                                                                                          

4.     Jobs are hard to find in the Boston area.                                                                                       

5.     Winters in Boston are cold and snowy.

6.     Boston city Hall is very beautiful.

7.     There are many famous old buildings in downtown Boston.                                                        

8.     People are not very friendly in Boston.                                                                                         

9.      The Charies River flows by the city. People like to walk along the river the parks.                     

10. Apartments are very expensive and hard to find.