1. The 3-Pass Approach to Reading
From Passive Reading to Active
Critical Reading
2. Why Active Reading?
• • Passive reading = skimming words without
deep understanding
• • Active (critical) reading = questioning,
connecting, and evaluating
• • Helps improve comprehension, retention,
and analysis
• • Essential for academic success and lifelong
learning
3. The 3-Pass Approach (Overview)
• 1. Preview the text
• 2. Annotate while reading
• 3. Re-read critically
• Goal: Move from surface-level understanding
to deeper analysis
4. Step 1 – Preview the Text
• • Skim title, headings, visuals, and key terms
• • Predict what the text will be about
• • Ask questions before reading
• • Example: Like watching a movie trailer
before the film
🎬 Movie Trailer Analogy
Preview before reading
5. Step 2 – Annotate While Reading
• • Highlight key ideas, underline arguments
• • Write margin notes or questions
• • Use metacognitive strategies:
• - Predicting, Visualizing, Questioning
• - Making Connections
• - Fix-ups when confused
• • Active engagement = stronger memory
📝 Annotation Example
Highlight + Margin Notes
6. Step 3 – Re-Read Critically
• • Distinguish fact vs. opinion
• • Identify author’s purpose, bias, or
assumptions
• • Evaluate arguments: Are they logical and
supported?
• • Connect ideas to your own experiences and
the wider world
🔍 Critical Lens
Fact vs. Opinion
7. After Reading Strategies
• • Summarize main points in your own words
• • Create text-based questions (open-ended)
• • Map or cluster ideas visually
• • Use a double-entry journal to track quotes &
responses
• • Discuss with peers (academic speed dating,
small groups)
📚 Double-Entry Journal
Mind Map Connections
8. Agree & Disagree Tool
• • While reading, note 2 quotes you agree with
• • Note 2 quotes you disagree with or question
• • Write a short interpretation:
• - Why do you agree or disagree?
• - What evidence or experiences support
your view?
• • Helps build critical thinking and essay ideas
👍 Agree 👎 Disagree
9. Summary – Active Reading Matters
• • Reading critically is more than decoding
words
• • The 3-Pass Approach helps you:
• 1. Preview
• 2. Annotate
• 3. Re-read critically
• • Builds comprehension, analysis, and
confidence
• • Remember: Active reading = stronger