Reading Strategies

Readers draw conclusions based on the ideas and information that they read from one or more sources. Using a graphic organizer before reading helps to organize thinking during reading in order to analyze, and make inferences and draw conclusions after reading.

Drawing conclusions involves gathering information and deciding what the information means. For example, a report may describe effects on the Trans Canada Highway during the months of July to September  (e.g., more injured wildlife, increased damage to roads, air pollution/smog complaints, visible litter); it may draw a conclusion about the information (increased vacation traffic is a local environmental concern); and it may offer recommendations.

Create a graphic organizer with two columns across the top titled: I Read, I Think, and a row across the bottom titled: Therefore.  

• In column one (I Read), record the relevant information from the text.
• In column two (I Think), record what you know about that information and what you think it means.
• In the bottom row (Therefore), record your conclusion based on all of the information gathered and your prior knowledge.