Reading Comprehension — Strategic Reading in 3 Phases
Reading in English does not mean translating word for word. These are strategies that allow you to understand texts efficiently.
Phase 1: Pre-reading (Before reading)
- Activate your prior knowledge: What do you know about the topic?
- Predict: Look at the title, subtitles and images. What will it be about?
- Key Vocabulary: Learn 5-8 important words before reading.
Phase 2: While-reading
- Skimming — Quick read for general idea (1 minute)
- Scanning — Search for specific information
- Detailed reading — Deep understanding
💡 Tip: If you find an unknown word, try to deduce its meaning from the context before looking it up in the dictionary.
Phase 3: Post-reading (After reading)
- Answer comprehension questions
- Make inferences (read "between the lines")
- Connect with your personal experience
📄 Practice article: "The Benefits of Regular Exercise"
Regular exercise is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Research highlights that physical activity can improve your mental health, help you manage your weight, and reduce the risk of disease.
You don't need to spend hours at the gym. Even a 30-minute walk can make a significant difference. The key is consistency — exercising regularly is more important than exercising intensely.
Moreover, exercise has social benefits. Joining a sports team or a fitness class is a great way to meet new people. In addition, working out with friends can help you stay motivated.
Despite the well-known benefits, many people struggle to find time for exercise. However, experts suggest that even small changes — like taking the stairs instead of the elevator — can address this issue.
As a result of regular exercise, people often report better sleep, more energy, and improved mood. Therefore, making exercise a part of your daily routine is one of the best decisions you can make.
Text vocabulary
| Word | In the text it means | Spanish |
|---|---|---|
| highlights | emphasizes, draws attention to | resalta, enfatiza |
| consistency | doing something regularly | constancia |
| address | to deal with, to discuss | abordar, atender |
| issue | problem, topic | problema, tema |
| current | present, existing now | actual |
| significant | important, meaningful | significativo |