What is a basic prereading technique is identifying what you do and do not know about a particular topic.?

Identifying what you do and do not know about a particular topic is a key prereading technique that helps to activate prior knowledge and set a purpose for reading. By assessing your current knowledge of a topic, you can determine what areas you may need to focus on during reading and what information gaps you may need to fill.

To identify what you do and do not know about a topic before reading, you can start by asking yourself questions such as:

  • What do I already know about this topic?
  • What specific questions do I have about this topic?
  • Are there any terms or concepts related to this topic that I am unfamiliar with?
  • How does this topic relate to other topics I have studied?

Additionally, you can skim through the text or review any relevant materials to get a sense of the main ideas and information that will be covered. This can help you pinpoint areas where you may need to deepen your understanding or clarify your knowledge.

By identifying what you do and do not know before reading, you can better focus your attention during reading, actively seek out information to fill in gaps in your knowledge, and engage more deeply with the text. This prereading technique can enhance comprehension, retention, and overall learning outcomes.