Anticipation Guide
Before Reading Activity
How it is Used:
Anticipation Guides are often structured as a series of statements with which the students can
choose to agree or disagree. They can focus on the prior knowledge that the reader brings to the
text, or the "big ideas" or essential questions posed (implicitly or explicitly) by the writer as a
way for the reader to clarify his/her opinions before reading the text and then compare them to
the writer's message as they read.
1. Provide students with a “survey” that asks them to provide their opinion on a specific
topic that is related to the text or passage. Be sure students are aware they will need to be
able to defend and support their opinions.
2. After completing the survey, have students discuss their responses in pairs, small groups
or as an entire class.
3. After reading the text or passage, students should compare their opinions on the given
statements with the author’s implied and/or stated messages.
Ex.
Anticipation Guide: Immigration
Before
Reading
After
Reading
A or D
A or D
What do you think? Do you agree or disagree with the following statements?
A or D
A or D
The strength of the U.S. lies in its diversity, particularly in the fresh ideas and cultures provided
by new immigrants.
A or D
A or D
High levels of immigration threaten America’s unique culture.
A or D
A or D
Promoting America’s economic strength should be the guiding principle underlying our
country’s immigration policy.
A or D
A or D
The U.S. cannot isolate itself from problems beyond our borders.
A or D
A or D
The U.S. must remain a symbol of hope and opportunity for the people of the world.
A or D
A or D
Loose border control makes us vulnerable to drug trafficking and terrorism.
A or D
A or D
Developing well-crafted foreign aid and trade programs can help people in poor countries and
discourage immigration to the U.S.
A or D
A or D
The U.S. needs immigrants to contribute to our economic growth.
Why it Works:
Anticipation guides will help students to anticipate "the big ideas" that will be revealed and it
may provide an initial "hook" that draws them into the text and allow students to recognize the
effects of one’s own point of view in formulating interpretations of texts.