Macro skills in reading comprehension focus on understanding the overall message and structure of a text, rather than focusing on individual words or sentences. They are essential for interpreting, analyzing, and evaluating what you read.
Here are some key macro skills:
1. Identifying the Main Idea:
* Recognizing the central topic or theme of the text.
* Summarizing the text in your own words.
* Differentiating between main points and supporting details.
2. Understanding Text Structure:
* Recognizing patterns of organization like cause and effect, compare and contrast, or chronological order.
* Identifying key words and phrases that indicate text structure.
* Predicting what will come next based on the established structure.
3. Making Inferences:
* Drawing conclusions based on the text and prior knowledge.
* Reading "between the lines" to understand implied meaning.
* Recognizing the author's tone and purpose.
4. Evaluating the Text:
* Assessing the credibility and reliability of the information.
* Identifying bias and propaganda techniques.
* Analyzing the author's perspective and assumptions.
5. Synthesizing Information:
* Combining information from different sources to form a new understanding.
* Recognizing relationships between different ideas presented in the text.
* Drawing connections between the text and your own experiences.
6. Responding to the Text:
* Forming your own opinions and interpretations.
* Engaging in critical analysis and reflection.
* Sharing your understanding through discussion, writing, or other means.
7. Using Contextual Clues:
* Determining the meaning of unknown words or phrases based on the surrounding text.
* Recognizing the role of figurative language and idioms.
* Understanding how cultural context influences meaning.
8. Monitoring Comprehension:
* Actively engaging with the text by asking questions and making connections.
* Identifying areas of confusion and seeking clarification.
* Adjusting reading speed and strategies based on the text's complexity.
Developing these macro skills is crucial for successful reading comprehension. They allow you to go beyond simply decoding words and engage with the text on a deeper level, understanding the message, the author's intention, and the significance of the text in a broader context.