Module 1:Skills Builder

  
 


Lesson 1.1D: Reading Non-Fiction

Now that you know how to focus when you are reading a story, let's turn our attention to other kinds of text. Another important kind of text is non-fiction, or text that contains more factual information and where the writer is often explaining something to you.

Some examples of non-fiction texts might include a ferry schedule, a brochure discussing a new product (for example, a cell phone), an article from a magazine, or a chapter in a science textbook. Non-fiction is all around us, and it probably makes up most of the words we read in a given day.

How to Read Non-fiction and Make the Information Stick!
A reading strategy that is very useful for reading non-fiction is called the SQ3R method (or SQRRR). If you've ever felt like you can't remember what you read, this method will be very useful to you. It will make you a more effective reader. Here's how it works:

1. S=Survey (do thisbefore you read the text)
 
  • Scan the text - look at the title and see if there are any subtitles; look for key words (for example, words in italics or words in bold type).
  • Write down the title and any subtitles that might appear.
2. Q=Question
 
  • Create and answer questions for each section.
  • What is the main point?
  • What evidence supports the main point?
  • What are the examples used?
  • How is this related to the rest of the passage? to me?
  • The 5 Ws are also useful - who, what, when, where, why.
3. R=Read
 
  • Read the section.
  • Look for answers to your questions.
  • Make notes.
4. R=Recite
 
  • Stop reading, look up, and answer your questions out loud.
  • Listen to your answers. This will help you to remember information.
5. R=Review
 
  • Highlight or underline the main points in each section.
6. Repeatthese steps for each section
 
  • Highlight or underline the main points in each section.

It might appear as if there are many steps in this process, but you will be far more likely to remember information you read if you do so using the SQR3 method. It is very effective and useful. Although this strategy may seem time consuming at first, over time it becomes a natural part of your reading process.


Using the SQ3R Method: A Model
Following is a non-fiction reading and an example of a completed SQR3 template. Follow the SQR3 method outlined above. Read the article and then review the template to better understand how this reading strategy works. You may find it helpful to underline or highlight important information as you read. The advantage to doing this as you read is that you can then go back and find information more easily.

Click on the link to download the article, "Our Changing Climate." Don't forget your pen or highlighter!

After you’ve read the article, review the following table to understand better how the SQ3R strategy works.

Before you read, survey the text:

Record important titles and subtitles from the work.

Title: Our Changing Climate

Subtitle: How are We Changing Our World?

Subtitle: What are Global Warming and Greenhouse Gases?

Subtitle: What's a Few Degrees?!

Subtitle: Will British Columbia Change?

Subtitle: What Can I Do about Climate Change?
Question while you are surveying:

Write "Who, What, When, Where, and Why" questions from the main topics.

  1. How are humans changing our planet?
  2. What do the terms global warming and greenhouse gases mean?
  3. Why is global warming occurring?
  4. What is the impact of global warming on British Columbia?
  5. What can I do personally to reduce the impact of climate change?
When you begin to read:

Write answers to the questions from above.

  1. Humans are polluting the environment, and the result is that the average temperature of the Earth is increasing.
  2. Global warming refers to the increase in the Earth's temperature; greenhouse gases refer to three pollutants that are particularly harmful: carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.
  3. Global warming is occurring primarily in response to modernization - industry, automobiles, and farming are expelling gasses that are heating the atmosphere.
  4. The impact of global warming on B.C. includes the following:
  • smog increase in lower FV due to hotter/drier summers
  • forest fires becoming more common in interior
  • decline in salmon stocks in Pacific Ocean as water temperature increases

   5. things that I can do immediately are to eat less meat and work with my
       family to keep my home more efficient.

Recite after you’ve read a section.

Key facts for Question 4: What is the impact of global warming on British Columbia?

Record key facts and phrases as needed for each question. Example:

  1. climate is changing in BC and will continue to do so
  2. average temperature increase is more than global average
  3. earth, air, and water will be affected (fire, smog, fisheries)
  4. this climate change is expected to continue
  5. the impact will be felt all over the province
  6. everyone will be affected

Review - an ongoing process.

Summary paragraph for Question 4: What is the impact of global warming on British Columbia?

Create a summary paragraph for each question.

Example: The climate in BC is changing. Certain areas will see big changes, like the lower Fraser Valley. These climate changes will affect the entire province. This could be in the weather patterns, in the environment, and in the economy.

Although this strategy may seem time consuming at first, over time it will become a natural and informal part of your reading process.

Now Complete Section Assignment 1.1B: Over to You…Reading Strategies. Click here to download the Module 1 Section Assignment template if you haven't already done so.

Summary
Completing this lesson has helped you to:

  • understand how nonfiction text is different from fiction
  • observe how nonfiction text can be organized
  • read non-fiction text actively and for meaning
  • apply new ideas and information
  • personalize ideas and information