1. Other
Techniques to
Help Increase
Reading
Comprehension

2. An Annotation Method
Use one of the annotation methods to
clear up confusion while reading:
• Sticky Notes
Place sticky notes next to passages
that cause confusion so that you can
return to them.
• Highlighters
Use highlighters to mark places you
understand (pink) and places that are
confusing (yellow).

3. Good Highlighting:
 Thisrepresents an example of a good
highlighting technique. Focusing on key
ideas and terminology.

4. Bad Highlighting:
 Just
because you are highlighting the text
doesn’t mean you are doing it effectively.
Do not highlight everything.

5. Marking Text
Marking text helps readers pay attention and
remember what they read. Try this marking
method as a way to increase reading
comprehension:
• Assign codes to the types of thinking in which
you engage. As you read, mark these codes next
to the passages in the text that trigger these kinds
of thinking and explain the connection.
o C = connection reader makes to own life
and text
o ? = questions reader has about text
o I = inference or conclusion reader draws
from text

6. Double-entry Diaries (DED)
DEDs are similar to taking notes.
But are a good Comprehension Technique. Try some of
the following DED strategies:
• Divide page in half with questions and main ideas on
the left and specific information on the right.
• Divide page in half with direct quote from text and
page number on the left and thinking options on the
right (reader’s reactions). A sample of this type of DED
is on the next slide.
• Divide page in half with facts or details on the left
and author’s message on the right.
• Divide page in half with confusing part in text on the
left and reader’s attempt to get unstuck on the right.
• Divide page in half with new/confusing vocabulary
on the left and reader’s knowledge on the right.

7. Here is a sample DED:

8. Sources:
 “Academic Support Guides: Reading
Comprehension.” Cuesta College.
http://academic.cuesta.edu/acasupp/as/30
0INDEX.HTM
 Krieg, Elaine G. Strategies for College
Readers. New York: Longman, 2008. Print.
 “Study Skills Activities: Reading as a Study
Skill.” Montana State Literacy Resources: A
Service of the National Institute of Literacy.
http://www.nwlincs.org/mtlincs/pilotproject/st
udyskills/studyskillsindex.htm