Reading Strategies
Learn how to read English texts more effectively.
Types of Reading
| Strategy | German | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Skimming | Überfliegen | Get the main idea quickly |
| Scanning | Durchsuchen | Find specific information |
| Intensive | Intensives Lesen | Understand every detail |
| Extensive | Extensives Lesen | Read for pleasure |
Before Reading
- Preview the text - Look at headings, images, and structure
- Set a purpose - Know what you’re looking for
- Activate knowledge - Think about what you already know
- Predict - Guess what the text will be about
While Reading
| Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| Highlight key words | Mark important vocabulary and concepts |
| Take notes | Write short summaries in margins |
| Ask questions | ”What does this mean?” “Why is this important?” |
| Visualize | Create mental images of what you read |
After Reading
- Summarize - Retell the main points in your own words
- Reflect - Think about what you learned
- Connect - Link new information to what you knew
- Review - Go back to unclear parts
Practice Text
The weather in London is famously unpredictable. One moment the sun is shining brightly, and the next, dark clouds roll in with heavy rain. Londoners always carry an umbrella, just in case. Despite the weather, the city remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
Questions to ask:
- What is the main topic? (London’s weather)
- What word means “unpredictable”? (unvorhersehbar)
- Why do Londoners carry umbrellas? (Because weather changes quickly)
Skimming and scanning are complementary skills. Skim first to get the big picture and decide if the text is worth reading in full. Then scan for the specific information you need. Both are faster than reading word by word.