Reading: Reading Fluency & Strategies (Strategic Reading)
B2 Lesson 3: Actively Questioning the Text and Engaging with the Material
Having a Conversation with the Text
The highest level of reading is not just understanding what the author says, but having a mental conversation with them. This is called Active Reading1. It means you are constantly thinking and questioning the text3 as you read.
This process of engaging with the material2 ensures you understand it deeply and critically. Today, we will learn what kinds of questions active readers ask.
Part 1: The Active Reader's Questions
As you read, get into the habit of asking three types of questions:
| Question Type | Purpose | Example Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Clarification | To make sure you understand. | "What does this word mean?" "Can the author give an example of this?" |
| Critical Analysis | To evaluate the author's argument. | "What is the evidence for this claim?" "Is the author biased?" "What is the author not saying?" |
| Connection | To link the text to your own world. | "How does this relate to my own experience?" "Have I seen this happen in my community?" |
Practice Active Reading
Let's read this opinion piece. The questions in brackets show the "internal monologue" of an active reader.
Is Kampot Loving Itself to Death? A Question on Overtourism
Kampot's recent surge in popularity is celebrated by many as an economic boom. New hotels line the riverfront and restaurants are full of foreign visitors. [Connection Question: Have I noticed more tourists in town recently?] However, we must ask a difficult question: is this rapid, unchecked growth sustainable?
Overtourism occurs when the number of visitors negatively impacts the local environment and quality of life for residents. In Kampot, we are beginning to see the symptoms. For example, our waste management systems are clearly struggling to keep up. [Clarification Question: What specific evidence shows they are struggling?] Furthermore, the quiet, relaxed atmosphere that made Kampot famous is being replaced by loud music and crowded streets.
Proponents of further development argue that the economic benefits outweigh the negatives. They believe that more jobs and income are the most important goals. [Critical Question: Is the author presenting this opposing viewpoint fairly? What is the evidence for *their* argument?] While economic health is vital, a strategy that prioritizes quality over quantity is essential for the long-term health of our community.
Analysis: By constantly asking questions as they read, the active reader is not just absorbing words. They are thinking, connecting, and evaluating, which leads to a much deeper and more memorable understanding of the topic.
Your Turn to Ask the Questions!
Practice Quiz
Read the short paragraph below.
"Some educators believe that all high school students should be required to learn a practical trade skill, such as plumbing, electrical work, or mechanics, in addition to their academic studies. They argue that this approach would better prepare students for the real-world job market and provide them with a valuable, lifelong skill."
Based on this text, which of the following is the best example of a CRITICAL ANALYSIS question?
- A. What is a "trade skill"?
- B. Have I ever thought about learning plumbing?
- C. What evidence shows that this approach actually leads to better jobs?
Answer: C. This question critically evaluates the strength of the argument by asking for evidence. Question A is a good Clarification question. Question B is a good Connection question.
Vocabulary Glossary
-
Active Reading (noun phrase)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: កការអានសកម្ម
The process of engaging your mind by thinking about and questioning the text as you read. ↩ back to text -
Engaging with the Material (verb phrase)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: ធ្វើអន្តរកម្មយ៉ាងសកម្មជាមួយខ្លឹមសារនៃអត្ថបទ ជាជាងគ្រាន់តែអានពាក្យដោយអសកម្ម
Actively interacting with the content of a text, rather than just passively reading the words. ↩ back to text -
Questioning the Text (verb phrase)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: ការសួរសំណួរទៅកាន់អត្ថបទ
The strategy of asking questions for clarification, analysis, and connection while you read. ↩ back to text -
Critical Analysis (noun phrase)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: ការពិនិត្យស៊ីជម្រៅនៃអត្ថបទមួយ ដើម្បីវាយតម្លៃអំណះអំណាង ភស្តុតាង និងការសន្មត់មូលដ្ឋានរបស់វា។
The deep examination of a text to evaluate its arguments, evidence, and underlying assumptions. ↩ back to text
Homework Task
Practice Your Active Reading!
Find one English opinion article online about a topic that you find interesting.
- As you read, write down at least three questions that come to your mind.
- Try to write one of each type: one Clarification question, one Critical Analysis question, and one Connection question.
- After you finish reading, see if you can answer your own questions based on the text and your own thoughts.