Active Reading

Start by getting familiar with the basic parts and structure of the text:

• What kind of text are you reading? An essay? A web site?
• Every author has a purpose; find it.
• Who is the audience and how does the author try to appeal to them?
• What argument is the author making/question does the text try to answer?
• What evidence does the author provide?
• Are there any key terms the author defines?

As you’re reading, make note of anything that especially catches your attention:

• Is there a fact or point that challenged your assumptions?
• Any surprises?
• Did the author make a point or argument that you disagree with?
• Are there any inconsistencies in the text?
• Does the text contain anything (words, phrases, ideas) that you don’t understand?

After you’ve finished reading, read it again:

• Are there things you didn’t notice the first time reading the text?
• Does the text leave some questions open-ended?
• Imagine the author is sitting across from you: what would you ask them about the text? Why?

If the text is visual in nature, try these extra tips:

• What first strikes you about the image?
• Who/what is the main subject of the visual?
• What colors/textures dominate the visual?
• What objects/people are in the background/foreground?
• Do words or numbers play any role in the visual?
• When was the visual created?