Key Comprehension Strategies
Definition
Sample Related Comprehension Skills
Making Connection
Bridge from the unknown to the new by connecting texts to one's background knowledge
- text to text, text to self, text to world
- compare/contrast
- background knowledge
Determine Importance
Make decisions about what is and is not important in a text
- main idea and details
- purpose for reading
- classify
Infer
Combine what is in the text with one's own ideas to fill in gaps and create a unique interpretation of the text
- predict
- draw conclusions
- fact/opinion
- cause/effect
Use Fix-Up Strategies
Select and use word-attack strategies to overcome difficulties in navigating text
- use pictures
- read on
- decode
- word analysis
Synthesize
Use individual pieces of information within a text to form a new idea
- sequence
- summarize
- classify/categorize
- retell
Creating Sensory and Emotional Images
Use all five senses to create pictures in the mind before, during, and after reading
- use visuals
- create images
- revise
Ask Questions
Use curiosity to generate one's own questions and enhance the meaning of the text
- meaning
- author's purpose
- use visuals
Monitor Understanding
Continuously check to determine whether or not the text being read is understood
- reread text
- self-monitoring
- reflection
- strategic reading