Reading: Literature
Reading and putting events in order
Answer questions about a short passage and put what happened back into the order the passage gives.
A passage tells you two kinds of thing: facts you can point to, and an order those facts came in. Good readers keep track of both, because a question can ask for either.
Answer from the page
If a question asks what the passage says, the answer is somewhere in the words themselves. Go back and find the line rather than guessing from memory.
Order words are signposts
First, then, next, after that, by evening, finally. These words tell you the order without you having to work it out.
The main idea is the whole, not a part
A detail is true but small. The main idea covers the whole passage. If a sentence only fits one line of the passage, it is a detail.
Worked example
Read: "Arun poured the batter into the pan. When bubbles rose across the surface, he flipped it over. A minute later he slid it onto a plate and reached for the honey." Which happened second?
List what happens: pouring, flipping, sliding onto a plate, reaching for the honey.
Writing the actions out in a line is quicker than holding them in your head.
Try it together
Let us read one short passage together.
The passage is: "The postbox at the corner was painted red long ago. Rain and sun have faded it to a dull pink. Every morning at ten a van stops beside it, and a woman in a blue shirt empties the letters into a sack." Answer each question in one word, using the passage.
1.What color was the postbox painted long ago? Write one word.
Have a go
Read: "The bell rang. The children packed their bags, lined up at the door and walked out into the playground." What did the children do first?
Ready to practice?
Eight questions on what you have just read. Nothing is timed, and you can play as many times as you like.