Page 311

3. Preview the story or the novel.

Short stories 🟪 Though short stories often have no pictures or chapter titles to give you clues, you can still preview stories. Here are a few tips:

■ Look at the title and author.
■ Check out the author on the Internet. Ask, What types of stories does the author write?
■ Read the first few paragraphs. Look for hints about the setting, the main characters, and the event or problem they face.

Novels 🟪 Use these tips to get a general idea of the plot, characters, setting, and theme of a novel.

■ Notice the title and author.
■ Look at the book’s cover.
■ On the back cover and on the first few pages, search for and read summaries, information about the author, a preface, or an introduction.
■ Read the chapter titles and look at any illustrations.

During Reading

As you read a story or a novel, read actively. The tips that follow will help you do just that: