Preview - Predict - Preread - Code

To preview a reading, look for:

• Title
• Author
• Subheadings
• Sections
• Graphics
• Study Questions
• Italics/bold words
• Previews/summaries

To predict, ask yourself, "What will this reading be about?"

To preread, read the first sentence or so of every paragraph to get a quick idea of what main points will be covered.

To code, take concise and relevant notes:

• Main ideas
• Questions
• Comments: your opinions, agreements, disagreements with the text.
  
• Important details

In addition to annotating, for many readings you'll find it useful to record your notes on a T.I.P.S.+ sheet.

While P.P.P.C is often used for reading, it should also help your writing, as should K.W.L.+.  Thinking about your readers, considering how you can help them predict, asking yourself what they'll need to know, what they'll want to know, will help you write more effective essays. See also KWL+ for writers.

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