Write informally in response to readings to improve your understanding
Summarize the core argument of the reading – focus first on the sequence of claims and why they’re important rather than the evidence in support of them, then respond to the argument using “Yes, and…,” “No, and here’s why not…” and “Okay, but…” stems
Consider the issue, problem or question from another viewpoint, or through the lens of another reading
Write a paragraph in which you evaluate how well the evidence provided supports the claims and consider evidence not presented that might counter or complicate the claim
Write and answer discussion questions
Make a John Bean What I Like/What Bother’s Me Idea Map to develop your own response to a piece of writing
Make a synthesis table to place multiple readings in conversation with one another
Write extended definitions of keywords – include definitions written in your own words, examples, applications, and negative definitions (how the concept differs from similar or complementary terms)
