READING

CHALLENGING
L I T E R AT U R E
Identifying Complexity and
Using Reading Strategies
WHAT IS TEXT COMPLEXITY?
Text complexity is the level of difficulty in reading and
understanding a text.

The level is determined by several factors including sentence

length, vocabulary, and story structure.

Another factor that helps determine complexity is knowledge

demands of a text, which is the amount of prior knowledge
required for the reader to understand the events amd meaning of
the text.
WHY IS TEXT COMPLEXITY IMPORTANT?

Becoming proficient in reading complex texts

is an ongoing objective of English education.

Recognizing a text is especially complex,

therefore challenging, will allow students to
take steps to tackle that reading.
 WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE
PROFICIENT AT READING COMPLEX TEXTS?
Proficiency in reading complex texts means having the ability to comprehend and
engage with challenging writing.

Being able to draw accurate conclusions as well as make personal and literary
connections for a complex work is evidence of proficiency.

Proficiency does not necessarily mean a reader understands

every word of a challenging story, but the reader can
consistently understand the broad and deeper meaning of a
challenging text often with the help of reading strategies.
 READING STRATEGIES TO
TACKLE COMPLEX TEXTS
BEFORE
• Preparing for Reading
DURING
• Annotating
• Visualizing

AFTER
• Summarizing and Questioning
• Reflecting and Connecting
PREPARING FOR READING
Before starting a text, preview it. Read the back cover and skim through chapter
titles if available. Consider the meaning of the title and the cover art.

Think about researching the author and see if they are known for specific
topics, settings, or story structures.

Determine the setting and look up images related to the time period and/or
the location of the story.
ANNOTATING
Gather the needed tools to annotate like highlighters, pens, or sticky notes to take
notes during reading.

Underline or highlight important quotes or pivotal plot points to make them easier to
find and cite later.

Make notes in the margins noting summaries or copy down definitions of

vocabulary words you had to look up.
VISUALIZING
Visualizing while reading refers to the reader creating images in their mind to
represent the details and events of a story.

Readers should use the available information as well as prior knowledge to develop
mental images. For example, if a book states that a character entered a grocery
store, the reader should start by thinking about the grocery store they know well.
Once more details are given, the reader can make adjustments to that visualization.

Everyone's abilities to create mental images differ. The more a reader

attempts visualization the easier it will become.
SUMMARING AND QUESTIONING
Summarizing helps the reader comprehend and retain important information.

If the reader knows they will be summarizing a section after reading it, they are
more likely to be focused and engaged during the reading.

Once a reader has summarized the section, questions or points of

confusion may arise. Readers can consult others to discuss any
questions. Sometimes though, questions are purposefully left
unanswered in a story to build suspense or curiosity.
REFLECTING AND CONNECTING
Once the reading is done, it is important for a reader to think about the text and look over
annotations and personal summaries. Reflecting allows the reader to deepen their
understand and see the big picture of the reading.

After reflecting on what the text is saying, then consider any possible connections that can
be made from personal experiences, other texts, history, or current events.

Although the events of the story might not be similar to a reader's personal
experience, a strong reader will look beyond the surface of the story to try
and find connections. This will help the reader remember the reading and
build a deeper understanding of the story.
Although complex literature can be
intimidating to readers, attempting to read
difficult works will lead to strengthened
abilities and increased confidence in reading.

Try these strategies and see what is most

helpful to you.