"Nada's ESL Island"

A- Before you begin reading ...  
1- Recall or research information on the author. Knowing the background of the writer and what themes or settings the writer
often explores can help you interpret a story.

2- Examine the title and consider possible meanings. The title is often a significant clue to help you identify the story's central ideas.


B- To begin reading ...
 

Read the first paragraph. Try to identify: * The setting - when and where the story is taking place. If you are unfamiliar with the time or place setting, consider doing some research to familiarize yourself with the setting.

* The point of view - whose perspective is the story being told from?


C- As you read ...
 

1- Be an active reader. Interact with the story as you read. Make Interactive Notes.

2- Try to identify:

- How the plot is developing
- The major and minor characters
- The conflicts, external and internal, and how they relate to each other
- The importance of setting
- Ideas or images that are repeated to create symbols and develop motifs
- The tone or mood the author creates. Do these change?
   How does the writer create mood and tone?

3- Ask both personal and critical questions, recognizing differences between the author's opinions and your own.

4- Connect details to expand the picture that the author is painting. Recognize that all words in a story should contribute to the overall impression.

5- Pay particular attention to the ending of a story.
   Ask yourself: - why did the author choose to end the story here?
                          - what are the central ideas (themes) of the story?


D- Rereading the story...
 

Be prepared to reread the story or parts of the story to:

- confirm your initial impressions
- answer questions you have
- alter or correct your ideas


E- To conclude your reading ...
 

1- Talk and listen to others to clarify impressions and interpretations
2- Record personal insights or reactions as a way of deepening your understanding
3- Continue to ask questions that extend the meaning of the story.
Remember that the most important questions we are left with, often do not have "right" answers.
4- Examine the author's technique and style or writing. What traits dominate? How does the author's style contribute to the overall impressions of the piece?
5- Fit all the parts of the story into a whole by rereading and rethinking your ideas.

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