Everyday Text Reading Strategies

What is Everyday Text? Everyday text is reading you encounter every day. It includes a variety of materials such as travel brochures, articles about the weather on Mars, and articles detailing how to verify information found on the internet.

Pre-Reading Surveying Everyday Text before reading is even more important than it is for Narrative Text because the organization and structure of the piece will yield valuable information to the reader.

Pre-Reading Strategies What is the title / subject of the article? What is your prior information on this topic? Is the purpose of the article to give information or instructions that tell how to do something? What are the subheadings? What topics will be covered? Look for changes in text type. Bold print or italics may indicate special vocabulary that is usually defined for the reader.

Pre-Reading Strategies Continued Are there informational boxes that highlight or give additional details? Be sure to read these. Everyday Text often includes diagrams, graphs, illustrations, and pictures. The author has included these for a reason. Be sure to look at them before reading, and look back to them during your reading when the selection refers to them. The organization may vary depending on purpose. Informational articles often list facts using bullets or outline format. How-to articles often number steps or list in order.

Pre-Reading Strategies Just as you do with Narrative Text, it is important to preview the questions that you will be asked so that you can make a check next to material if you recognize an answer when you come to it.

Reading Strategies Main idea: The main idea will usually be found in the first few paragraphs. Author’s purpose: In everyday text, the purpose is usually to give information or instruction. Making connections: Apply prior knowledge to help you understand the content of the writing.

Reading Strategies Paraphrasing / Vocabulary: You noticed during your pre-reading any words that are considered “special vocabulary” for this subject. Read words and definitions carefully. Sometimes authors give the meaning of a word in an appositive or by using a contrast (telling what something is not like). Be sure to use the context strategies you have already practiced. Besides the text: As you read, be sure to use the graphs, charts, diagrams, etc. that are given to help you understand the material.

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