Clarifying Confusing Text

Sometimes you read a sentence and it just does not make sense. Maybe one word is strange, or a whole idea feels mixed up. This lesson is about clarifying confusing text. That means finding the exact spot that confuses you and using a strategy or a smart question to fix it.

This is different from just saying "I don't get it." You will learn to point to the exact word, phrase, or idea that is the problem, and then pick a good way to solve it.

Before you can clear up confusing text, you need to know exactly what is confusing you. Is it one word? A whole sentence? Or an idea that does not seem to fit with the rest of the story?

Try reading this sentence: "The stubborn mule would not budge from the path." If the word "stubborn" or "budge" is new to you, that is the exact spot to focus on. You do not need help with the whole sentence, just those two words.

Naming the exact problem helps you fix it faster. It also helps other people help you, because you can tell them exactly what is confusing.

Once you know what is confusing, you can try a strategy on your own before asking someone else. Here are four strategies that work well.

• Reread it. Read the confusing part again, slowly. Sometimes your eyes moved too fast the first time.
• Look at nearby clues. Read the sentence before and after the confusing part. Words nearby often hint at the meaning.
• Break it into chunks. Split a long sentence into smaller pieces and figure out each piece one at a time.
• Picture it. Try to imagine what is happening. If you cannot picture it, that tells you exactly what to ask about.

The picture below shows the order you can try these steps in.

If the strategies above do not clear things up, it is time to ask someone. A targeted question names the exact word, phrase, or idea that confuses you, instead of asking a broad question.

Compare these two questions about the mule sentence.

• General question: "I don't get this sentence."
• Targeted question: "What does the word budge mean in this sentence?"

The targeted question is much easier for someone to answer, because it points to the exact problem. Targeted questions often start with words like "what," "why," or "how," and they name the exact word or idea you are stuck on.

Read this passage: "After the storm, the fields were covered in silt. The farmers worried the crop would fail." Suppose the word "silt" confuses you.

1. Name the exact spot: the word "silt."
2. Try a strategy: look at nearby clues. The next sentence says farmers are worried about their crop. That hints "silt" has something to do with the ground or soil after a storm.
3. Check your new idea: reread the passage with your idea in mind. "Silt" being a kind of mud or dirt left after a storm now fits with the farmers worrying about their crop.
4. If you are still unsure, ask a targeted question: "Does silt mean a kind of mud left after a storm?"

Confusing Text: A word, phrase, or idea in a passage that does not make sense to you right away.

Clarify: To make something clear that was confusing.

Strategy: A step-by-step way to solve a problem, such as rereading or looking at clues nearby.

Context Clues: Hints found in the words and sentences around a confusing part.

Targeted Question: A question that points to the exact word, phrase, or idea that is confusing.

Read a short passage and underline any word, phrase, or idea that confuses you. For each one, try a strategy first, like rereading or checking nearby clues, before asking anyone else. Then write one targeted question for each part that is still unclear, naming the exact word or idea.

Related lessons

• Seeking Text Clarification