Three Stages of Reading - Writing
In this exercise we are going to see how an understanding of the Three Stages of Reading helps with writing.
Compose a three paragraph passage on a topic with which you have some familiarity. Assign it a title and give each
paragraph a heading. As you are writing your piece, think of the activities that a reader will go through as she examines
your passage. By thinking in terms of the mental procedures occurring in your audience's mind, you will be better able to
construct a clear message which is accurately understood. So, how would that work?
Your audience will begin the Pre-Read Stage by first previewing your script. In this case, the reader will read the
title, three headings, and any terminology that you have italicized or made bold. There is a good probability the reader will,
at this point, know the author's topic or subject and the main idea. This is usually accomplished by putting together the title
(probably the topic or subject) and the headings.
While previewing or immediately after, a reader will take a minute to finish the Pre-Read Stage by considering what
she already knows about the topic or subject; thus activating her schema. The reader now has completed the first reading
stage of the three-paragraph passage.
[ After considering these factors, do you want to make any modifications to your passage? ]
The reader next completes the Read Stage by reading every word in your piece of writing. She uses the P P R M C
approach during this time. As best as possible she attempts to Predict what is coming next. In addition, she tries to Picture
the 'scene' that is being described by the words on the page. She also wants to Relate, as best as possible, her
experiences in life with what is going on in the passage. Next, she Monitors her thinking process, as if to ask: 'Do I get
this?' If she realizes that she is not comprehending the text, then she has to Correct the problem. Possibly a re-reading of
the difficult or confusing portion is needed. Another possibility is that her reading environment (too much noise, multitasking, stress, etc.) is not conducive to concentrating on text material.
At this point both Pre-Read and Read Stages have been completed.
[ With the preceding in mind, can you think of any editorial changes you would like to make? ]
That leaves only the Post-Read Stage. Many college students are greatly benefited in their studies by writing
summaries of textbook assignments. You could use this knowledge to help in your writing. Structure your composition in a
way that favors summarizing.
To reinforce this proposition, compose a one-paragraph summary of the text you just wrote. Judge for yourself
whether the passage lends itself to a summary. Did you clearly express the key elements that would make up a summary,
or was your message unclear as to which factors were the important ones to focus on?
Now do the same thing by writing an outline, a mind map, or three or four concept cards. Also, see is your passage
could be turned into a presentable poster by constructing one now.
[ After considering all of these factors, are there any last alterations you want to make to your piece? ]
The 'take away' here is to fully understand how reading skills and writing skills are helpers to one another.