Nonfiction texts, unlike novels or short stories, often require a more strategic approach to reading comprehension. Understanding the author's intent and the underlying arguments requires active engagement with the text. This is where "notice and note" signposts come in – powerful tools that help readers identify key elements and build a stronger understanding of the material. This guide explores these crucial signposts, offering practical examples and strategies for effective use.
What are Notice and Note Signposts?
Notice and Note is a research-based framework developed to improve reading comprehension and critical thinking skills. It encourages readers to actively "notice" specific patterns or signals within a text and then "note" their significance, connecting them to the overall message. These signposts act as flags, highlighting important concepts and guiding the reader toward a deeper understanding.
The Six Key Notice and Note Signposts:
The framework identifies six key categories of signposts that frequently appear in nonfiction texts:
1. Contrast and Contradictions:
These signposts highlight differences or unexpected turns in the narrative. Authors may use words like but, however, on the other hand, surprisingly, or present contrasting viewpoints. Noticing these shifts allows you to analyze the author's arguments and identify potential biases or complexities.
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Example: "While many believe X, I argue that Y..." This signals a contrast between a common belief and the author's perspective.
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Note Taking Strategy: Jot down the contrasting ideas and analyze the reasons for the difference. What evidence does the author provide for their perspective?
2. Concessions:
A concession acknowledges opposing viewpoints or potential weaknesses in an argument. Authors often use phrases like although, admittedly, it is true that. Noticing a concession shows the author's willingness to engage with counterarguments, adding depth and credibility to their perspective.
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Example: "Although this solution is effective, it has some potential drawbacks..."
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Note Taking Strategy: Analyze the concession. Does the author effectively address the weakness? How does the concession strengthen or weaken their overall argument?
3. Repetition:
Repeated words, phrases, or ideas often emphasize a key theme or concept. The author's emphasis highlights the significance of these elements. Noticing repetition reveals the central argument and its underlying message.
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Example: The repeated use of "freedom" throughout an essay on civil rights underscores the central theme of the piece.
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Note Taking Strategy: Note instances of repetition and analyze their function. What is the author trying to emphasize by repeating this concept?
4. Quantifiable Data:
Numbers, statistics, and facts provide evidence to support the author's claims. Noticing these elements helps assess the strength of the arguments and identify the basis of the author's reasoning.
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Example: "Studies show that 75% of participants experienced positive results..."
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Note Taking Strategy: Identify the source of the data, analyze its relevance to the argument, and assess its reliability.
5. Words of Emphasis:
Words like clearly, obviously, importantly, significantly highlight the author's opinion and signal the importance of specific points. Noticing these words helps identify crucial arguments and the author's intended message.
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Example: "Importantly, this development marked a turning point in the conflict..."
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Note Taking Strategy: Note what concepts are emphasized and why. What is the author trying to make you understand?
6. Unfamiliar Words or Phrases:
Encountering unfamiliar vocabulary can signal the introduction of key concepts or specialized terminology relevant to the subject. Noticing these terms and defining them enhances your overall understanding.
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Example: In an article on economics, encountering the term "stagflation" necessitates researching its definition and significance.
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Note Taking Strategy: Look up unfamiliar terms and note their meaning and relevance to the overall text.
Using Notice and Note to Enhance Comprehension:
By actively "noticing" these signposts and "noting" their significance, you can:
- Improve comprehension: Identify central arguments and supporting evidence.
- Develop critical thinking: Analyze the author's biases, perspectives, and use of evidence.
- Enhance writing skills: Apply similar techniques in your own writing to convey ideas more effectively.
By actively engaging with nonfiction texts using the Notice and Note framework, you can move beyond passive reading and develop a deeper, more critical understanding of the information presented. Make it a habit to notice these signposts and your comprehension will soar.
