Understanding What You Read

Reading comprehension is all about making sense of what you read. At the 8th-grade level, you will encounter a variety of texts, including short stories, poems, nonfiction articles, and essays.

Tips for Better Comprehension

• Ask Questions: Who, what, when, where, why, and how.
• Summarize: After reading, try retelling the main points in your own words.
• Make Connections: Relate what you read to your own life, other books, or the world.

Identifying Main Ideas and Details

Look for the main idea of each paragraph, and pay attention to supporting details that explain or prove the main point.

Real-World Connection

Good reading comprehension helps you understand news, instructions, and even texts or social media posts!