On Reading Well To Discuss
Well In reading these classic, timeless
texts, look for the main message the author intends to
convey. What are the key themes? Depending on the length and
complexity of the document, there may be several sub-themes
as well. Note also how the structure, or form of the text,
as well as how its language (imagery and symbolism) supports
and reinforces the ideas. Underline and circle words and
phrases that have power for you. Note also how the text reveals the
historical traditions and cultural way of life of the time
and place about which the document is written. Finally,
think about how the themes and issues of the text still have
applications in the modern world, contemporary culture, and
in your own life. When we come to class having not
only read but thought about a text in these five ways, with
underlining and marginal comments that reflect our thinking
and feeling as we read, we are well-prepared to discuss
thoughtfully, listening well to the observations and ideas
of others and trying out our own developing
thoughts. Focused, even personalized,
underlining of texts prepares us in particular for
discussions that begin with such questions as: ``What are the major points or
themes that X is trying to make in this text?" Or,
``what did you particularly like or dislike about the
text?" Or, ``what quotations seemed particularly
important to you?''" Or, "what do you learn about how
people lived and thought?" Or, ``what words, phrases,
or images had emotional or intellectual power for
you?''" Or, "what's this reading say about what's
going on in our world today, or in my own
life?" Happy reading! Peter Frederick ,Professor of
History, Wabash College
Fundamental to the process of reading and discussing
well is our active interaction with a "text" (a
reading, poem, painting, document, or artifact). Effective
reading is not just going quickly through a text, but rather
is a process of questioning it actively, looking for key
issues, themes, events, characters, forms and images.
Underlining and even writing marginal comments in a "text"
highlights these key points and makes them accessible during
class discussions and in reviewing for exams. Some people
find it helpful, while still fresh in their mind, to
summarize at the end of a chapter/scene/section the main
ideas and issues in their own words. This serves not
only to aid the memory but also to make sure they understand
what they've read.
In summary, then, in reading, look for and makes notes
on: