Read for the message

• Determine what the selection is about.

  Determine what the author's message is.

Read with a purpose

Read productively

Accompany the author on a mental journey

Look for guides and signs

Study the introduction

Be able to summarize the principal parts of the plot in Spanish.

Read without looking up every unknown word

Read the entire selection once.

Focus on the progression of the plot.

Determine which words are important.

Read in Spanish

Keep English translations out of your mind.

Absorb the meaning in Spanish.

Read the story more than once

1st reading- determine the foundation and framework of the story.

Subsequent readings- go beyond the plot and explore answers to the more profound questions.

Use the dictionary as a last resort

• Learn to recognize the meanings of words.

  Be aware of cognates.

  Recognize word families.

  Use context clues.

Read the story aloud

Improve pronunciation.

Improve speed (fluency).

Improve facility of speech.

Know the components of a short story

the setting

(la escena)- the time and place of the action

the characters

(los personajes)- who is involved and the roles they play

the plot

(el argumento)- the action of the story

• What happens
• When it happens
• To whom it happens

the theme

(el tema)- Understand what is said and what is meant.

Symbolism

(el simbolismo)- the use of symbols of represent ideas.

Levels of interpretation

(niveles de interpretación)- how far the author's message can go.