Intensive Reading

Introduction

In the Junior School CBC (KICD), the English Reading strand develops learners who read for understanding, not just speed. Intensive reading means studying a passage closely, with attention to detail and meaning.

Before reading

• Look at the title and any pictures.
• Predict what the passage will be about.
• Skim to get the general idea.

During reading

1. Read slowly and carefully.
2. Underline key words and main points.
3. Note unfamiliar words.
4. Ask questions as you read.

Finding the main idea

The main idea is what the passage is mostly about. Often it appears in the topic sentence, the first or last sentence of a paragraph. Supporting details back it up.

Inference

An inference is a conclusion based on clues.

Worked example: "Wekesa put on his coat, grabbed an umbrella and hurried out." Inference: it is cold or raining. The text does not say so, but the clues point to it.

Vocabulary in context

Example: "The lion was ferocious; it growled and bared its teeth." The clues growled and bared its teeth show that ferocious means fierce and dangerous.

Types of questions

• Literal: answers stated directly.
• Inferential: answers worked out from clues.
• Critical: asks for your opinion with reasons.
• Vocabulary: word meaning in context.

After reading

Summarise in your own words, answer the questions using evidence, and write sentences of your own with new vocabulary.

Try it

• Read a short article and write its main idea in one sentence.
• List three inferences from a story you know and the clues for each.
• Find three new words and work out their meaning from context.