1. Steps for Active Reading
Reading for a central idea

2. Split up into Groups Group 1, 5 Group 2, 6 Group 3, 7 Group 4, 8
Pg 427 The Meaning of TV
Group 2, 6
Pg 430 TV Can’t Educate
Group 3, 7
Pg 436 Don’t Touch That Dial
Group 4, 8

3. Establish Expectations
Before you read something look at it’s title.
Does it give you an idea of what to expect?
Does it sound as if it is announcing its central idea?
Does it tell you what to expect?
Picture acquired from Amazon.com

4. Underline and Mark Main Points
With a pen, pencil, or highlighter in hand, read the material from start to finish, slowly and carefully.
Get an overall sense of the central idea
Don’t take notes
Underline or highlight sentences or ideas that seem significant to you as you read.
Mark details or explanations that seem more important than others…bold, italic, or bulleted

5. Reading #2
Annotate
Reread what you underlined and briefly summarize those ideas in the margin.
Make notes of very important points.
Note any questions or comment on ideas that you do not agree with.

6. Summarize the reading Write out the central idea of the reading.
Write the thesis statement in your own words.
State the thesis of the entire essay and the supporting topic ideas of the paragraphs.

7. Respond to the Reading Write your own response to what you have read.
Do you agree?
Did it remind you of an experience you have had?
Did it give you new insight?

8. When to use this process?
When you are researching a topic.
When you are reading a textbook.
When you are peer editing someone else’s work.
When the information you are reading is of major importance to your world.