For Plot:
* Active Reading: Paying close attention to the text, highlighting key events, and asking yourself questions about the characters' motivations, conflicts, and choices. This helps you follow the story's progression and identify important plot points.
* Inferencing: Drawing conclusions based on what is said and not said in the text. Look for clues in the dialogue, actions, and descriptions to understand what is happening and why.
* Identifying Theme: Understanding the central idea or message of the story. This can help you see how the plot develops and understand its significance.
* Recognizing Conflict: Identifying the struggles and challenges faced by the characters, whether internal or external. This helps you understand the driving force of the plot.
* Analyzing Character Development: Observing how characters change and evolve throughout the story. This can reveal the story's underlying message and deepen your understanding of the plot.
* Recognizing Narrative Structure: Understanding the way the story is organized, including the use of flashbacks, foreshadowing, and other literary devices. This can help you understand the author's intention and how the plot unfolds.
For Setting:
* Imagery and Description: Paying attention to the author's use of language to create a vivid picture of the setting. Consider details like time, place, weather, and sensory details.
* Context Clues: Using clues from the text to understand the setting's social, political, and cultural context.
* Symbolism: Recognizing how objects, events, or characters can represent larger themes or ideas related to the setting.
* Atmosphere: Understanding the mood or feeling the author creates through the setting. This can contribute to the story's overall tone and theme.
* Impact of Setting on Characters: Observing how the setting influences the characters' actions, motivations, and overall development.
In addition to these skills, you can also improve your understanding of plot and setting by:
* Taking notes: This can help you keep track of important events and details.
* Discussing the story with others: This can help you gain different perspectives and deepen your understanding.
* Reading a variety of genres: This will expose you to different types of storytelling and help you develop a wider range of reading skills.
By practicing these skills, you can become a more active and engaged reader, allowing you to fully appreciate the intricacies of plot and setting in any story.