Active Reading Strategies

Reading for a test is different from reading a text message. On the RLA test you read to understand and remember what a passage says, so you can answer questions about it. The skill that makes this possible is active reading — reading with your brain switched on.

Active reading means engaging with a text as you read: asking questions, noticing structure, and marking key ideas, instead of letting your eyes slide over the words. Active readers understand and recall far more than passive ones.

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How to Read Actively

A few simple habits turn passive reading into active reading. Preview the passage — glance at the title and first sentence to get the topic. As you read, ask yourself questions: What is the main point here? Why did the author include this? Notice signal words like “however,” “because,” and “first,” which show how ideas connect. And mentally summarize each paragraph in a few words before moving on. On a computer test you cannot write on the passage, but you can pause and put ideas in your own words in your head.

Why It Works

Active reading works because understanding comes from making connections, not just recognizing words. When you ask questions and summarize, you force your brain to process meaning, which makes the answer easier to find later. It also keeps you focused, so you do not reach the end of a paragraph realizing you remember nothing. On the test, active readers spend a little more time reading but far less time re-reading.

Watch: A Short Video Lesson

Bethel University CPS Online Library Services gives a clear overview to go with this lesson:

A Routine for Active Reading

1. Preview the title and first sentence to get the topic.
2. Ask “What is the main point?” as you read each paragraph.
3. Watch for signal words that connect ideas.
4. Summarize each paragraph in a few words before moving on.

Practice

1. What does active reading mean?
2. What should you do before you start reading a passage?
3. Name one question to ask yourself while reading.
4. What do signal words show?
5. What should you do at the end of each paragraph?
6. Why do active readers spend less time re-reading?

Answers

1. Engaging with a text by questioning, noticing structure, and summarizing.
2. Preview the title and first sentence.
3. Any of: What is the main point? Why did the author include this?
4. How ideas connect.
5. Summarize it in a few words.
6. They understood it the first time.

Where This Fits in Your RLA Prep

Active reading supports every reading skill, especially finding the main idea and finding text evidence. See every topic on the Language Arts Prep Hub.

Recommended Prep Books

Keep building momentum with a full study guide and practice tests:

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