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Contributor: Elephango Editors. Lesson ID: 10855
Discover the secret to reading like a pro! Dive beneath the surface to uncover hidden meanings and unlock deeper connections. You’ll never see storytelling the same way again!
There’s always something more under the surface, something you can’t shake. That’s because great writers know how to hide meaning, like a secret waiting to be uncovered.
Think about the phrase tip of the iceberg.
Picture an iceberg—its massive body hidden beneath the water, with only a small piece visible above the surface.
Dive in and uncover how to read between the lines.
Reading literature is like being a detective.
Writers often don’t spell everything out; they leave clues for you to discover. These clues help reveal the deeper meanings behind characters, events, and symbols.
The tip of the iceberg approach to reading means going beyond the surface details—like what happens in the story—and exploring why it happens. By asking the right questions, you can unlock hidden layers of meaning.
Key Moments to Watch For
When reading, look for these key moments and ask yourself questions like these.
Strong Emotions: When a character experiences intense feelings, ask these questions.
Tone Shifts: When the mood or tone changes, ask these questions.
Symbols: When an object or event seems to stand out, ask these questions.
Setting Changes: When the location or mood of the story changes, ask these questions.
Connections: When a scene reminds you of something, ask these questions.
By asking these questions, you begin to read like a pro—uncovering the iceberg beneath the surface.
Head to the Got It? section to give it a try.
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