Pre-reading activities are exercises performed before starting to read a text to prepare the reader for the material.
Based on the provided reference, pre-reading refers to exercises done before reading to prepare for the act of reading. These are not typically formal tests designed to assess existing reading skills, but rather preparatory activities aimed at setting the stage for comprehension.
Goals of Pre-reading Exercises
According to the reference, the primary goals of pre-reading exercises are to:
- Prepare the student to read the book or text.
- Give some insight on the story or content.
- Ensure the necessary vocabulary is understood, which is particularly crucial for younger students.
Pre-reading as Preparation, Not Just Assessment
While the question uses the term "test," pre-reading is more accurately described as a set of preparatory exercises or activities. These activities help readers activate prior knowledge, build context, and identify potential challenges in the text before they begin the actual reading process.
Think of it like warming up before exercise. A warm-up isn't a test of your fitness, but rather a preparation for the main activity to make it more effective and prevent strain. Similarly, pre-reading prepares your brain for the text.
These exercises might include:
- Skimming headings and subheadings
- Looking at illustrations or diagrams
- Reading introductions or summaries
- Discussing the topic
- Reviewing key vocabulary words (as highlighted in the reference)
- Making predictions about the content
By engaging in these activities, readers are better equipped to understand and engage with the material they are about to read. While some pre-reading activities might involve assessing a student's prior knowledge or vocabulary as part of the preparation, the core function of pre-reading is preparation itself, not a summative assessment of pre-existing skills.
