Before Reading
Preview Organization
Read the About the Selection paragraph to understand what kind of a selection this is. Then skim through the selection looking at photographs, headings, and pull quotes. Note that the selection is divided into shorter segments divided by bullets. Each segment covers a new topic. Write down expectations you have about this essay based on your preview. What kinds of subjects do you think it will talk about? Why?
During Reading
Use Organization as You Read
1. Read the subheading of the first section. What can you guess about the section based on the subheading? Read the first sentence. Do you agree with this statement? Continue reading to see how Thoreau explains this statement. Read to the bullets on page 288. Stop and write down important ideas you find in the passage. Discuss the first passage with your classmates.
2. Continue reading. Pause when there is a break to jot down your thoughts. What important ideas did you find? Which quotations, if any, stay in your head? What do these quotations mean to you?
Fix-Up Idea: Read Short Sections
If you have trouble staying focused in this long essay, try reading smaller sections at a time. Use natural breaks marked by bullets and subheads as stopping points. Stop more frequently if you need to. Answer any Guided Reading Questions included in the section you just read. Then summarize the paragraph or section, and move on to the next section.
After Reading
Share Your Connections
Share your written comments with a partner. Discuss memorable parts of the selection. Was the selection what you expected it to be based on your previewing activities? Why, or why not?