Strategic Reading : Reading for Meaning

Strategic reading is an effective way of understanding a text by employing strategies to understand

content and structure better, which will result in reading proficiency.

Brown and Briggs list four characteristics of strategic readers.

1. They set a purpose for reading.

2. They employ reading strategies appropriate to a specific text.
3. They check their understanding of the text.
4. They show a positive attitude toward reading.

Methods of paragraph development

Here are the most common rhetorical patterns used by writers in organizing information in a text.

1. Definition
This explores a subject matter fully by presenting both denotation ( dictionary meaning ) and
connotation and by distinguishing the subject from other topics to clearly draw a distinction.

Read the sample of a definition below. Answer the questions that follow.

Anti – intellectualism is defines as the act of resentment toward any intellectual endeavor. This
is practiced by those who mock other people for presenting logical facts and data because this
is perceived to be atypical way of thinking. Anti – intellectuals consider smart people as
outsiders with little empathy for the rest of the population. This is the origin of the idea that
those who have alternative opinions or are part of a counterculture are elitist, arrogant, anti –
poor , and aloof.

What concept is being defined ?

What does the paragraph say about the concept ?

2. Illustration explains or clarifies a subject by presenting examples to support a general statement.

Transitional markers such as for example, for instance, to illustrate, another example of this are
usually found in the illustration paragraph.

Read the sample below. Answer the questions that follow.

Selecting cost and energy – efficient appliances can have a significant impact on your quest to
lower your electricity bill. When it comes to appliances, remember that efficiency declines over time, so
while your refrigerator from the 90s may look like it’s working just fine, your electric bill will definitely
tell you otherwise. Regular maintenance is key in making sure that your home appliances remain
efficient. Environment – conscious features are incorporated in more and more products, including
entertainment appliances. Check if your TV has a power saving mode to enjoy your shows and movies
with less energy consumption. A helpful guide in selecting appliances is the energy efficiency ratio or
fact ( EER / EEF ) . Look for appliances with a higher number on the EER / EEF label at this indicates
better energy – saving performance.

- http://www.rappler.com/brandrap/travel-food-
and-lifestyle/125749-abenson-energy-electricity-bill

What is the subject of the paragraph ?

What examples and illustrations were used to expound the subject ?

3. Description

This uses vivid details to allow the readers to visualize the subject and get the dominant expression of
the text. Often , adjectives are used in description.

Read the sample description below.

Clouds are formed when relatively moist air rises. As a mass of air descends, the lower pressures
prevailing at higher levels allow it to expand. In expanding, the air cools adiabatically (i.e. without heat
exchange with the surrounding air ) until its temperature falls below the dew point , upon which the air
becomes supersaturated such that water vapor condenses into cloud condensation nuclei or tiny water
droplets ( or deposits onto ice nuclei or tiny ice crystals ).

- Encylcopedia Britannica

What is the topic of the paragraph?

What details were used to describe the topic ?

4. Process analysis

This shows how to do something or how something works by analyzing and presenting the steps in an
orderly sequence.

Read the sample below and answer the questions that follow.

Many people are very curious about how a caterpillar can transform into a very beautiful
butterfly. Each stage has its own scientific explanation. First , it will start from being a caterpillar.
Second, the caterpillar will release a silk produced by its body and will create a cocoon for its protection
for the third process and for it to take place. Third, after the evolution / transformation of the caterpillar
inside the cocoon is finally complete, the caterpillar will break out of the cocoon and spread its wings
and is already considered a butterfly.

What process is being described in the paragraph?

What are the essential stages involved in the process ?

5. Comparison and contrast explains two ideas / objects by showing similarities and differences.

Read the sample below and answer the questions that follow.

A scientist and a poet both strive for perfection : the poet refines his sensibilities , while the
scientist reduces everything to precise measurements. Both share the beauty of a rainbow ; but while
the poet imagines a pot of gold at the end of it, the scientist wants to spell it out in angstrom units
measuring wave length.

-Matthew Nepomuceno

What are the two subjects discussed in the paragraph ?

What similarities and differences do both subjects have ?

6. Cause and effect analyzes why something happened and what the consequences are or might
be.

Read the sample below and answer the questions that follow.

The advancement in technology and economy has created major changes in modern society. One of
these changes is globalization. As we know, globalization has affected the world in many ways. First , it
served as a catalyst to worldwide trading, thus allowing countries to access foreign products. Although
this had positive effects, it also posed a real threat to the merchandise of local traders. Second,
globalization affected the financial market. As a result , different countries had more access to funds,
and the exchange in national currencies dramatically increased . Finally, globalization also led to the
privatization of various facilities, such as public health institutions. These institutions were being
privatized due to the idea that the private sector can better manage and provide health services. In
consequence, health policies become more and more of a commodity on a global scale.

What is the cause discussed in the paragraph ?

What effects are presented in relation to the cause ?

 7. Classification works by clustering objects, people, or events on the basis of their similarities and
characteristics thus forming categories.

Read the sample below and answer the questions that follow.

The whole Hindu population of India can be divided into four castes or Varna. The highest of
these castes is that of the Brahmins or priests and teachers. The next highest is that of warriors
and rulers, known as the Kshatriyas. Below this comes the Vaishyas or merchant caste and the
lowest caste is known as the Shu- dra caste. This rigid hierarchical system is based on karma
(work ) and dharma (duty ) .

What is being classified in the paragraph ?

What are the categories presented in the paragraph ?

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