Reading: Some Terms to KnowText refers to information in the form of print, visual, oral, and digital sources.

Decode means to look at and pronounce (say) the words correctly.

Read means to look at and understand the information within the text.

Context means other words surrounding one word. When you come across an unfamiliar word in your reading, you can sometimes use the word’s context to figure out what it means. Consider this example:

He fixed the car engine independently instead of asking for help. (independently = by himself)

Reading Fluency refers to how well you read aloud with correct pronunciation, pausing, and intonation.

Intonation means to correctly match your oral expression (how you speak) with the text cues (e.g., punctuation).

Sight Words are basic elementary-level words used in just about every text, regardless of difficulty. Since these words appear so frequently, you should recognize them on sight. (e.g., the, to, and…)

Comprehension means to understand. There are three types of reading comprehension questions:

1. Literal (the text): tests ability to understand information directly stated in the text.2. Inferential (beyond the text): tests ability to apply background knowledge to the text clues in order to

make an educated guess about information not directly stated in the text. AKA “reading between the lines”3. Personal Critical Evaluative (you and the text): tests ability to personally respond to the text.

Whenever you read, you will always fall into one of the three Reading Levels: Independent, Instructional, or Frustration. This chart will help you self-assess your own reading level as you tackle various texts.

The Main Ways your Reading will be AssessedBasic Reading Inventory (BRI) is a 1-on-1 assessment used to check reading fluency and comprehension. It helps pinpoint your current reading level and grade level.

Reading Comprehension Assessment (RCA) checks your ability to independently read a text and then answer a series of multiple choice comprehension questions. This is direct preparation for the grade 9 ELPA.

Book Talk is a 1-on-1 conference where you talk about the book you are currently reading. Through discussion, which will include answering some questions and choosing an excerpt to read aloud, it will become clear how well you have understood the book up to that point.