Here is a list of “Fix-up” strategies which you can use to monitor and regain comprehension as you are reading challenging texts.
- Notice when you drift off and bring yourself back to the text.
- Notice when you lose understanding, and identify specifically what is confusing you.
- Make connections to the text with prior knowledge and life experience.
- Predict what you think will come next in the text.
- Ask questions as if you are speaking to the author.
- Reread passages.
- Preview section headings or read ahead to get the big picture.
- “Chunk” complex sentences into smaller units and address them one section at a time.
- Summarize or paraphrase a sentence or paragraph in your own words.
- Deal with unfamiliar vocabulary by using context clues and root meanings.
- Look up unfamiliar vocabulary words or search an unfamiliar concept.
- Create a list, image, or picture to represent text, either mentally or on paper.
- Read the text out loud.
- Read the text more slowly.
- Discuss the text with another reader.
- Tolerate ambiguity—be willing to read on even if text isn’t perfectly clear.
