Comprehension Strategies

SKIMMING
It is used to quickly identify the main idea of a text. It is used when you want to
see if an article may be of interest in your research. It is used to quickly gather the
most important information or ‘gist’.

SCANNING
It is used to find a particular piece of information. It is running your eyes over the
text looking for the specific piece of information you need. Scanning involves
moving your eyes quickly down the page seeking specific words and phrases.
Scanning is also used when you first find a resource to determine whether it will
answer your questions.

EXTENSIVE READING
It is used to obtain a general understanding of a subject and includes reading longer
texts for pleasure, as well as business books. It is used to improve your general
knowledge of business procedures.

INTENSIVE READING
It is used on shorter texts in order to extract specific information. It includes very
close accurate reading for detail. It is used to grasp the details of a specific
situation. In this case, it is important that you understand each word, number, or
fact.

VISUALIZING
It is used to be able to create sensory images in the readers’ minds so they will be
more engaged with the content of the text and will better understand what they
read.

MONITORING AND REPAIRING UNDERSTANDING

This means being aware of whether or not you understand what you read. Being
able to stop and use strategies to clarify what is confusing, whether it is due to
unfamiliar vocabulary or lack of background knowledge is important to achieving
comprehension.

SYNTHESIZING
This involves evaluating, sorting, and sifting through information that is known
and new and reorganizing it into a larger idea or concept.

DETERMINING IMPORTANT IDEAS

This means learning to differentiate between the main or key ideas in a text and
information that is less essential, or that serves as supporting details.

INFERRING
It is drawing upon the reader’s background knowledge and connecting this with
new information. Inferring carries readers’ comprehension of the text to a new
level, encouraging them to create a deeper understanding between what is stated
and what they knew.

USING BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE

This refers to the ability of readers to relate what they know to what they read; they
make connections with the text, foster their comprehension, and develop their
knowledge as readers.

QUESTIONING
The ability to generate questions demonstrates that the students are synthesizing,
evaluating, and attempting to clarify what they read. This leads to a greater
understanding of the content and fosters further research and exploration.