B e c o m i n g a n A c t i v e R e a d e r Critical reading and thinking skills require active read-
ing. Being an active reader means you have to engage
with the text, both mentally and physically.
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Skim ahead and jump back.
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Mark up the text.
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Make specific observations about the text.
Skimming Ahead and Jumping Back Skimming ahead enables you to see what’s coming up
in your reading. Page through the text you’re about to
read. Notice how the text is broken down, what the
main topics are, and the order in which they are cov-
ered. Notice key words and ideas that are boldfaced,
bulleted, boxed, or otherwise highlighted. Skimming
through the text beforehand will prepare you for what
you are about to read. It’s a lot like checking out the hills
and curves in the course before a cross-country race. If
you know what’s ahead, you know how to pace your-
self, so you’re prepared to handle what’s to come.
When you finish your reading, jump back. Review
the summaries, headings, and highlighted informa-
tion in the text. Notice both what the author high-
lighted and what you highlighted. By jumping back,
you help solidify in your mind the ideas and informa-
tion you just read. You’re reminded of how each idea fits
into the whole, how ideas and information are con-
nected. When you make connections between ideas,
you’re much more likely to remember them.
Marking Up the Text Marking up the text creates a direct physical link
between you and the words you’re reading. It forces you
to pay closer attention to the words you read and takes
you to a higher level of comprehension. Use these three
strategies to mark up text:
1. Highlight or underline key words and ideas.
2. Circle and define any unfamiliar words or
phrases.
