Q-TIP Pre-Reading Strategy

Q-TIP Pre-Reading Strategy

Before students start reading, they should preview the text.  By previewing the text and questions using the Q-TIP strategy, students will build a background on what the text is all about.  This will foster a stronger level of comprehension even before a single paragraph is read!

Q  -  Questions

Read the questions first

By reading the questions first, it allows the students to know what information they are looking for while they are reading.  Often, questions will give students some information about the basic story elements of the characters, setting, problem and solution of the story.

T  -  Title

Read the title and subtitles

Explain to your students that by reading the title and subtitles, they can make a prediction about what the text will be about.  Subtitles have a special purpose to help organize information that is related to the subtitle under that section.

I  -  Introduction, Italics & Bold Print

Read the introduction

Pay attention to the italics and bold print

The introduction (especially on state testing) provides a background about what the text will be about.  It is important for students to read this section before reading the selection.

Italics is a signal for students to pay attention.  Most commonly, italics are used for emphasis or contrast — that is, to draw attention to some particular part of a text.  Another way, is that when authors write the entire title of a book, movie, magazine, etc.  Words are italicized when they are written in another language. 

Bold words often signify subtitles, or key vocabulary that the author wants to draw the student’s attention to.

P  -  Pictures

Review the pictures and read the captions

A picture is included with text because it has a purpose.  Pictures in nonfiction text may include maps, charts or diagrams.  Pictures in fiction text may relate to the setting or characters in the story.  Pictures help students visualize what the text is about.  The captions provide a brief snip-it linking to the picture and the text.