Questions to Ask During Reading
Thoughtful questions to enhance reading comprehension, deepen understanding, and create meaningful discussions about books and literature.
1What is the main idea or theme of this passage?
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What is the main idea or theme of this passage?
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Why this works
Identifying the main idea helps you understand the author's purpose. This question helps you focus on the most important information and develop comprehension skills.
2What evidence supports the author's argument or point?
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What evidence supports the author's argument or point?
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Why this works
Understanding evidence helps you evaluate the author's claims. This question helps you develop critical thinking skills and assess the strength of arguments.
3How does this connect to what we've read before?
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How does this connect to what we've read before?
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Why this works
Making connections helps you build understanding. This question helps you see how ideas relate to each other and develop a deeper understanding of the text.
4What questions do you have about this passage?
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What questions do you have about this passage?
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Why this works
Asking questions helps you engage with the text. This question encourages curiosity and helps you identify areas where you need more information.
5What do you think will happen next?
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What do you think will happen next?
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Why this works
Making predictions helps you engage with the text. This question encourages active reading and helps you develop inference skills.
6What is the author's tone or attitude toward the subject?
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What is the author's tone or attitude toward the subject?
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Why this works
Understanding tone helps you interpret the author's perspective. This question helps you develop reading comprehension skills and understand the author's intent.
7What are the key details that support the main idea?
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What are the key details that support the main idea?
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Why this works
Identifying key details helps you understand the text structure. This question helps you develop comprehension skills and understand how details support the main idea.
8How does this passage relate to your own experiences?
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How does this passage relate to your own experiences?
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Why this works
Making personal connections helps you engage with the text. This question encourages reflection and helps you relate the text to your own life.
9What vocabulary words are unfamiliar to you?
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What vocabulary words are unfamiliar to you?
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Why this works
Understanding vocabulary is crucial for comprehension. This question helps you identify words you need to learn and develop your vocabulary.
10What is the author trying to persuade you to think or do?
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What is the author trying to persuade you to think or do?
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Why this works
Understanding persuasion helps you evaluate the author's intent. This question helps you develop critical thinking skills and assess the author's purpose.
11What are the different perspectives presented in this text?
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What are the different perspectives presented in this text?
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Why this works
Understanding different perspectives helps you develop critical thinking. This question helps you see multiple viewpoints and develop a more nuanced understanding.
12What is the setting and how does it affect the story?
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What is the setting and how does it affect the story?
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Why this works
Understanding setting helps you understand the context. This question helps you develop comprehension skills and understand how environment affects the narrative.
13What are the character's motivations and how do they drive the plot?
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What are the character's motivations and how do they drive the plot?
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Why this works
Understanding character motivation helps you understand the story. This question helps you develop comprehension skills and understand how characters drive the narrative.
14What literary devices does the author use and why?
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What literary devices does the author use and why?
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Why this works
Understanding literary devices helps you appreciate the author's craft. This question helps you develop literary analysis skills and understand how authors create meaning.
15What is the author's purpose for writing this text?
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What is the author's purpose for writing this text?
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Why this works
Understanding the author's purpose helps you interpret the text. This question helps you develop comprehension skills and understand why the author wrote the text.
16What are the main conflicts in this passage?
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What are the main conflicts in this passage?
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Why this works
Understanding conflicts helps you understand the story structure. This question helps you develop comprehension skills and understand how conflicts drive the narrative.
17What is the author's bias or point of view?
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What is the author's bias or point of view?
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Why this works
Understanding bias helps you evaluate the text critically. This question helps you develop critical thinking skills and assess the author's perspective.
18What are the cause and effect relationships in this text?
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What are the cause and effect relationships in this text?
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Why this works
Understanding cause and effect helps you understand the text structure. This question helps you develop comprehension skills and understand how events relate to each other.
19What is the author's message or lesson?
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What is the author's message or lesson?
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Why this works
Understanding the author's message helps you interpret the text. This question helps you develop comprehension skills and understand what the author wants you to learn.
20How does this text relate to current events or real-world issues?
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How does this text relate to current events or real-world issues?
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Why this works
Making real-world connections helps you understand the text's relevance. This question encourages critical thinking and helps you see how literature relates to contemporary issues.
Reading Comprehension Guide
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Reading Comprehension Best Practices
Ask Questions While Reading
Don't wait until the end to ask questions. Ask questions throughout the reading process to maintain engagement and improve comprehension.
Make Connections
Connect what you're reading to your own experiences, other texts, and the world around you. This helps you understand and remember the material better.
Think Critically
Don't just accept what you read. Question the author's claims, consider different perspectives, and evaluate the strength of arguments.
Question Sequences
The Comprehension Series
The Critical Thinking Series
Common Pitfalls
Don't Read Passively
Avoid reading without thinking or questioning. Active reading with questions helps you understand and remember the material better.
Avoid Surface-Level Questions
Don't just ask basic recall questions. Ask questions that require analysis, synthesis, and evaluation to develop deeper understanding.
Don't Ignore Your Own Questions
Pay attention to questions that arise naturally while reading. These questions often lead to the most meaningful insights and understanding.