This is the reading strategy homework to accompany the Holt reading.

1. Strategy #2: Answer a Focus Question
“How Teachers Make Children Hate Reading” by John Holt
When we answer a focus question about a reading, we focus in on the big picture ideas in the text. We also
force ourselves to become more active readers because we are not just going on a “scavenger hunt” by looking
for answers to several specific questions; instead, we are reading the entire text actively and searching for the
main ideas in the text.
Complete before reading:
1. What is the focus question for this assignment? (This can be found in the Essay 1 packet)
While you read:
1. Underline any areas in the text that will help you answer the focus question.
Complete after reading:
1. Answer the focus question.
2. How did using a focus question change the way you read this text? What do you think you did
differently as a result?
3. When is it important to use this reading strategy? When might it not be that necessary or important?