Reading is an active process that requires the reader to engage with the text and construct meaning based on their own experiences and knowledge. Unlike passive activities such as watching television or listening to music, reading requires mental effort and active participation from the reader.
When we read, we bring our own unique set of experiences, knowledge, and perspectives to the text. This means that each reader will interpret a text differently, constructing their own understanding and meaning. For example, if two people read the same book, they may have different reactions, interpretations, and takeaways from the story based on their own backgrounds and beliefs.
To actively engage with a text, readers must actively decode and understand the words on the page, as well as make connections and infer meaning. This involves using prior knowledge to make sense of new information and filling in gaps to create a coherent understanding of the text. It requires concentration, focus, and mental effort.
In addition to decoding and understanding the words, active reading also involves critical thinking and analysis. Readers may question the author’s intentions, evaluate the validity of the information presented, and consider alternative perspectives. They may also make connections to their own lives, relate the text to other texts or experiences, and form opinions or develop new insights.
Furthermore, active reading often involves annotation, highlighting, or jotting down notes to aid comprehension and reflection. These practices help readers to actively engage with the text, mark important passages, and make connections between different parts of the text.
Personal experiences and knowledge play a significant role in the active reading process. When we read, we draw upon our own experiences, beliefs, and emotions to make sense of the text. For example, if we encounter a character in a book who experiences loss, we may bring our own experiences of loss to the reading and empathize with the character on a deeper level. Our personal experiences shape how we interpret and connect with the text.
Reading is an active process that requires the reader to actively engage with the text, construct meaning, and make connections. It involves decoding, understanding, analyzing, and reflecting on the text. Each reader brings their own experiences and knowledge to the reading experience, resulting in unique interpretations and understandings of the text. Active reading requires mental effort, concentration, and critical thinking, making it a highly engaging and personal activity.