Reading Comprehension: The Key to Reading with
Intention and Understanding

What is A Passive vs Active Reader?

Passive Reading: Passive reading is a surface-level approach where the reader goes through the text without much interaction, often skimming without fully
processing or engaging with the material.
Active Reading: Active reading is an engaged and purposeful approach to reading. It involves critically analyzing the text, asking questions, summarizing
ideas, and annotating to deepen understanding and retention.

Three Things to Do
Before

Reading to Be
an Active Reader

Preview the Material:

Skim the headings, subheadings, and any visuals to get an overview of the content and structure.

Set a Purpose:

Identify why you're reading the material (e.g., to learn a concept, answer a question, or prepare for a discussion).

Activate Prior Knowledge:

Reflect on what you already know about the topic and jot down a few questions you want the text to answer.

Three Things to Do
During

Reading to Be
an Active Reader

Annotate:

Highlight key points, underline main ideas, and jot notes or questions in the margins.

Pause and Reflect:

After each section, summarize what you've read in your own words to ensure understanding.

Engage with Questions:

Ask “why,” “how,” or “what if” questions to deepen your critical thinking about the material.

Three Things to Do
After

Reading to Be
an Active Reader

Summarize:

Write a brief summary of the main points and your key takeaways.

Review Notes:

Go over your annotations and highlights to reinforce your understanding.

Discuss or Teach:

Explain the material to someone else or discuss it with a peer to solidify your grasp of the concepts.

Key Traits of Active Readers:

Engaged: They treat reading as an interactive process, not a passive one.

Curious: They seek to uncover deeper meanings and make connections.

Organized: They approach reading with strategies that keep them focused and goal-oriented.

Critical Thinkers: They evaluate the material and donʼt accept everything at face value.

Active readers essentially transform reading into a conversation with the text, ensuring they walk away with understanding and insight.

The 3 Phase Active Reading Framework

This framework works to effectively learn and retain material, even if you dislike it.
Pre-Reading: Prepare Your Mind

  • Set a Goal: Define what you need to learn for the test (e.g., key terms, concepts, examples). Write it down.
  • Preview the Material: Skim the headings, subheadings, bolded terms, summaries, and visuals to understand the structure and main ideas.
  • Break It Into Chunks: Divide the material into smaller, manageable sections so it doesnʼt feel overwhelming.
  • Create Questions: Turn headings or topics into questions youʼll answer while reading (e.g., “What is photosynthesis?”).

During Reading: Engage with the Text

  • Annotate Strategically: Highlight or underline key points, but keep it focused—donʼt highlight everything. Write brief notes in the margins.
  • Summarize as You Go: After finishing a paragraph or section, pause to summarize it in your own words. Use sticky notes or a notebook.
  • Use Memory Hooks: Create associations or mnemonics for difficult concepts (e.g., acronyms, rhymes, or imagery).
  • Stay Active: Read aloud, if possible, or mentally rephrase complex ideas to keep your focus sharp.

Post-Reading: Lock It In

  • Summarize the Big Picture: Write a quick summary of the entire chapter or reading. Answer the questions you created in the pre-reading phase.
  • Create a Study Aid: Turn your notes into flashcards, mind maps, or a one-page cheat sheet.
  • Quiz Yourself: Test your knowledge using your notes or study guide. Focus on areas you found most challenging.
  • Teach It to Someone Else: Pretend you're explaining the material to a friend. If you can teach it, you've truly learned it.

Pro Tip for Motivation

  • Reward yourself after completing each chunk. For example, after finishing 10 pages, take a 5-minute break or grab a snack. This makes the process feel less tedious and gives you something to look forward to.


  • This framework makes the material easier to understand, retain, and recall for the test—without requiring you to “like” what you're reading!

This simple framework transforms you into an active reader by helping you intentionally engage with the material at every stage, instead of passively skimming or rereading aimlessly.


Here's how:

Passive vs. Active

Pre_Reading: Plan to

Engage

  • Active: You define goals, ask questions, and preview the material, which primes your brain to look for key information.

  • Passive: You just dive into the text without direction, increasing confusion and frustration.

During Reading: Stay Alert & Involved

  • Active: Highlighting selectively & summarizing means focusing on important ideas, not just passively skimming.

  • Passive: You would read line-by-line without engaging, making it harder to remember or understand the content.

Post-Reading: Consolidate
and Reflect

  • Active: Testing yourself mimics real exam conditions and locks the information into memory.

  • Passive: You'd move on to the next task without reflecting, leading to forgotten details and inefficient studying.

Why It Matters

By following this framework, youʼre actively taking control of your learning process. Every strategy - questioning, annotating, summarizing, and reviewing - keeps your brain engaged, making the material more memorable and meaningful.


Passive reading, on the other hand, leaves you feeling disconnected and forces you to reread without improving comprehension or retention.

Active reading is about reading with intention and ensuring your effort leads to real understanding and success!

Questions?
1 (530) 206-3443