Learn: Active and Passive Reading
Completion requirements
Learn
Active and Passive Reading
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The enjoyable part of reading, for the majority of us, is simply experiencing the story as it unfolds . . . turning the pages to see what happens next. When most people read for enjoyment, they read passively, meaning they are reading solely for the entertainment value that it provides, without thinking too deeply about the text. Passive reading certainly has its place.
However, for the purposes of learning, you will need to be an active reader. Active reading means thinking critically about the text—asking questions about what the author is trying to communicate and what tools he or she is using to impact you as a reader. Reading actively means being plugged in as you read. If you look up from your novel and realize you don’t remember much about what you have just read, remind yourself you are reading for a purpose—to learn. The activities described on the next few pages are designed to be completed as your read your novel, and they will help you remain an active, engaged reader throughout the text.
However, for the purposes of learning, you will need to be an active reader. Active reading means thinking critically about the text—asking questions about what the author is trying to communicate and what tools he or she is using to impact you as a reader. Reading actively means being plugged in as you read. If you look up from your novel and realize you don’t remember much about what you have just read, remind yourself you are reading for a purpose—to learn. The activities described on the next few pages are designed to be completed as your read your novel, and they will help you remain an active, engaged reader throughout the text.