Gamify Your Reading: Active Reading Strategies for Scholarly Essays to Slow Down, Break It Down, and Get Down with the Text

Reading a scholarly essay can feel like trying to play a complex game without knowing the rules—confusing, messy, and overwhelming. You’re staring at a wall of dense text, trying to make sense of the arguments, evidence, and sometimes intimidating language. The good news? With the right approach, you can cut through that confusion and get to the heart of the author’s message. 

In this blog, I’ll walk you through five active reading strategies that will help you break down scholarly essays and engage with

them more critically. Just like learning to play a new game, reading academic texts requires patience and practice, but the results are worth it. And remember, academic writing shouldn’t be boring! Let’s have a little fun with it. 

Active Reading Strategy 1:

Read Like You’re Playing Pass the Parcel!

In this classic party game, kids sit in a circle and pass around a package while music plays. When the music stops, the kid holding the parcel peels off one layer of gift wrap or tissue paper. The game ends when all of the layers have been peeled and the prize is revealed! 

Think about this game when you’re reading! Read 2-3 paragraphs and listen to what the author says (the music), then pause and unwrap the author’s point. Reflect on what the author said, how the information was presented, what questions you have, and ask yourself how this information could be of interest to you or how it helps you better understand something else.

Pause and unwrap. Pause and unwrap. Keep that little mantra in your head as you read! 

Why it matters: 

Pausing and summarizing helps you solidify your understanding of the text and improves retention. Just like unwrapping a layer of the parcel reveals more of the prize, reflecting on each section reveals more of the author's argument, allowing you to engage deeply with the material rather than just skimming over it. It also hones your critical reading skills, ensuring that you're actively processing information rather than passively absorbing it. 

Active Reading Strategy 2:

Pin the Thought in the Margin 

In Pin the Tail on the Donkey, the goal is to get as close as possible to the target while blindfolded. For our purposes, we’ll pin our thoughts in the margins of the text. 

As you read, don't just highlight! Make notes, ask questions, and interact with the text by "pining" your reactions to specific points. Whether you're confused by something, find a piece of evidence questionable, or notice an important claim, leave a mark in the margins to remind yourself to revisit it later.

Interacting with the text and participating in the conversation is where the real magic happens. Just make sure, you’re annotating for a reason other than simply because you find something “interesting.” One way to avoid this is to categorize your ideas. 

I like to use 4 symbols when I annotate a text:

❗- an exclamation mark when I find something surprising or unexpected

❓- a question mark when I don’t completely agree with a point, when I need more evidence, or when I don’t really understand how an idea relates or fits in the bigger picture

⭐ - a star when I’m given a piece of info that makes me consider changing my mind or rethink what I previously thought

✔️ - a checkmark when I find the author’s evidence & explanation compelling and fully agree

with the point

Think of annotations like pinned tails: they help guide you toward the main argument (the donkey). Remember, making annotations is less about being right or spot-on, and more about making an effort and to hold you accountable to not just read a text, but to process it and interact with it.

After you’ve read the essay, step back and think about your pinned tails (annotations) in relation to the main argument (the donkey) and, most importantly, topics and ideas you’re interested in - putting you one step ahead of the game when essays and writing reflections are assigned.

Why it matters: 

Annotating as you read helps develop your active engagement with the text. by marking important passages and asking questions, you're forced to think critically about what the author is saying. It's like giving yourself clues for later when you need to recall or analyze the argument. Pinning these thoughts also helps develop your analytical and note-taking skills, crucial for better understanding and long-term retention. 

Active Reading Strategy 3: 

Connect the Dots 

Remember the excitement of completing a connect-the-dots puzzle as a kid? At first, it seemed like a bunch of random points, but once you drew the lines, a clear picture appeared. Reading a scholarly essay can be just like that -- you need to connect the author's ideas to see the full argument.

As you read, look for connections and patterns in the author’s language, examples, and references. Are there recurring ideas that tie different sections together? Draw connections between different parts of the text to see how the smaller details contribute to the larger argument. Just like connecting the dots in a drawing, spotting these connections can reveal a bigger picture. 

Why it matters: 

Identifying patterns and making connections builds your comprehension and critical thinking skills. Much like completing a puzzle, this strategy helps you see how the individual pieces (arguments) work together to support the bigger picture. Connecting the dots will also strengthen your ability to synthesize information, a key skill in academic reading and writing.

Active Reading Strategy 4: 

Don’t Get Lost in Broken Telephone 

In the game of Broken Telephone, a message is whispered from one person to another down a line of players. Bye the end, the message is often completely different from the original! When reading scholarly essays, something similar can happen if you skim over jargon or unfamiliar terms -- you can quickly lose the thread of the argument.

When you encounter jargon or technical terms, don’t skip them! Look them up and break them down. The more accurately you "hear" the author's argument, the less likely you are to misunderstand or misinterpret it.

Why it matters: 

Decoding jargon and technical terms improves your vocabulary and ensures you're accurately following the argument. Skipping over complex language can cause confusion, just like in Broken Telephone. By taking the time to understand new terms, you're building a more precise understanding of the text, which is essential for reading comprehension and academic success.

Active Reading Strategy 5: 

Duck, Duck, Goose 

In this game, players sit in a circle while someone walks around, tapping each person's head and saying "duck" until the finally say "goose," and that person has to chase them. In the same way, it's important to identify both the "ducks" (points that fit into the bigger argument" and the "geese" (those that don't quite fit.)

As you read, look for inconsistencies, unsupported claims, or irrelevant points that don't seem to align with the author's main argument. These "geese" are important because they could signal weak spots in the argument or places where the author's logic doesn't hold up.

Why it matters: 

Spotting inconsistencies strengthens your critical thinking and evaluation skills. Just as you need to distinguish between ducks and geese in the game, learning to identify weak or irrelevant points helps you become a more discerning reader. It's not enough to accept everything at face value; by identifying the "goose," you're questioning the validity and strength of the author's claims.

Conclusion: Tackling Scholarly Essays with Confidence 

These active reading strategies are designed to help you tackle even the densest texts with confidence. By slowing down, paying attention to patterns, breaking down tricky terms, and identifying gaps and oddities in a text, you’ll move beyond surface-level reading - which means your essays will move beyond summarizing and paraphrasing into the realm of critical analysis - the land where top grades reside. 

Reading scholarly essays might feel intimidating, but with the right strategies, you’ll not only understand them—you’ll engage with them critically, see connections you might have missed before, and ultimately become a stronger academic reader.  

Let's See Gamified Reading in Action!

Alright, now let me show you these active reading strategies at work so you can put them into practice!

Remember, the goal is to use the active reading strategies to spark dialogue and inquiry to create an internal dialogue between you and the text. The commentary that follows below each passage is the script of my internal dialogue prompted by the 5 active reading strategies.

Reading Passage 1: The Cultural Impact of the Color Blue in Art and History 

Historically, the color blue has been associated with vast skies and deep oceans, symbolizing infinity, depth, and serenity. However, its cultural significance has evolved dramatically over centuries. In the Middle Ages, blue was considered a rare and expensive pigment, often reserved for depictions of the Virgin Mary in religious art. This sacred connotation elevated blue’s status in society. During the Renaissance, blue began to be used more widely, representing power, wealth, and importance. As globalization expanded in the 19th century, blue became associated with various national identities, from the American flag to European aristocratic uniforms. Today, blue is one of the most popular colors in the world, often linked to calmness and professionalism, but its deeper cultural meanings continue to be studied by historians, artists, and psychologists.

Context: This passage explores how the symbolism of the color blue evolved across different historical periods. 

Active Reading Strategy:

“Pass the Parcel” — Unwrap 

→ colour is not purely an aesthetic choice but a way to learn about a particular time and place 

 Q: How does the symbolism of blue reflect the values or beliefs of different eras? 

Questions to Continue the Conversation:

→ Why do symbols like colors change meaning over time? 

→ Can I think of other symbols (like animals, objects, or colors) that have also shifted in meaning through history? 

Active Reading Strategy:

“Connect the Dots” – Patterns 

 → the author traces the evolving meaning of blue chronologically: Middle Ages (religious), Renaissance (power/wealth), 19th Century (identity), Present (calm/professionalism)

Q: How does each era’s interpretation of blue align with its cultural and social context? And, why start the chronology at the Middle Ages?

Questions to Continue the Conversation 

→ Why might different societies use the same color in different ways? 

→ Are there parallels between how the color blue is used in art and other cultural symbols or trends?  

Reading Passage 2: The Role of Fungi in Soil Ecosystems

Fungi are crucial to the health and function of soil ecosystems, performing tasks that help maintain biodiversity and support plant growth. Acting as natural recyclers, fungi break down dead organic matter and release essential nutrients back into the soil, which in turn helps plants absorb them. This process, known as nutrient cycling, is fundamental to the survival of plant life. In addition to breaking down material, fungi form symbiotic relationships with plant roots in a process called mycorrhizal association. These partnerships allow fungi to transfer nutrients, particularly phosphorus, to plants, enhancing their growth. Recent research suggests that fungi may also play a role in mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon within soil systems. The loss of fungal diversity, however, could threaten these critical functions, prompting greater interest in conservation efforts focused on maintaining soil health. 

Context: This passage discusses how fungi play a crucial role in biodiversity and maintaining ecosystems. 

Active Reading Strategy:

 Pass the Parcel — Unwrap  

→ Fungi are crucial to sustaining an optimal environment, not just an ideal component but an essential one

 Q: What makes fungi irreplaceable in ecosystems? What other organisms might play similar roles in different environments? 

Questions to Continue the Conversation:

→ Why are fungi often overlooked when discussing biodiversity? 

→ What happens to ecosystems when fungi are removed or diminished? 

Active Reading Strategy: 

Connect the Dots – Patterns

 → “Natural recyclers” reminds me of how worms function in soil by breaking down organic material. 

→ “Phosphorus” also appeared in a documentary I recently watched on cancer, where it was discussed as an energy source for cell reproduction

Q: How do these different biological processes (recycling nutrients, energy sourcing) connect and support larger ecosystems? 

Questions to Continue the Conversation: 

 → What other biological elements might rely on similar symbiotic relationships for energy or nutrient exchange? 

 → How does learning about fungi change my view of how interconnected life is? 

 Active Reading Strategy:

Broken Telephone - Jargon & New Words

→ “symbiotic relationships” — definition: two different species living together and benefiting each other. 

 → “mycorrhizal association” — definition: a mutual relationship between fungi and plant roots. 

 Questions to Continue the Conversation: 

 → Why are symbiotic relationships so vital for the health of ecosystems? 

 → How can understanding these terms help me explain the importance of fungi to others?

Reading Passage 3: The Neuroscience of Music and Emotion

Recent studies in neuroscience have shed light on the profound connection between music and emotion, suggesting that music can stimulate specific areas of the brain associated with pleasure, memory, and emotional regulation. One key area is the amygdala, which processes emotional responses. When we listen to music, the amygdala is activated, creating feelings of happiness, nostalgia, or even sadness, depending on the musical piece. Moreover, the brain’s reward system, which includes the release of dopamine, is triggered when we experience music we enjoy, explaining why certain songs can lift our mood almost instantly. Interestingly, different types of music can affect brain activity in various ways; for instance, classical music may enhance concentration, while upbeat rhythms tend to increase energy levels. The therapeutic potential of music is also gaining attention, with music therapy now being used to treat conditions such as anxiety, depression, and even neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.  

Context: This passage discusses the relationship between music and emotion from a neuroscience perspective.

Active Reading Strategy: 

Connect the Dots 

→ Music triggers memory -  He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands always brings me back to rocking my kids to sleep when they were babies. 

Q: Could this be a way to help victims of crimes recall details, such as the identity of perpetrators? 

→ Dopamine and pleasure signalling

Q: Could dopamine also play a role in trauma processing? Might it cause individuals to suppress traumatic memories? 

→ “Dopamine hit” - this makes me think about the phrase often used in relation to social media addiction. 

Q: Does music have a similar addictive effect? 

 Active Reading Strategy:

 Duck-Duck-Goose 

 → Why does the text focus solely on the benefits of music? Are there any negative effects that music has been shown to have on emotion? 

Ready to Play? It’s Time to Get Your Game On.

Read the passages below and put your new active reading strategies to the test. You don’t need to apply all 5 strategies to each passage - and you don’t need to write down every one of your thoughts like I did. You can do this exercise in your head. But, I would recommend when you use these strategies in your course readings, you set aside 10-15 mins after reading to jot down your questions / answers/ considerations / pending ideas in a post-reading reflection.

Go ahead and give it your best shot! Remember, the goal is to use the active reading strategies as a way to start conversation with the text, and then to add follow-up questions and additional thoughts to keep the conversation rolling. You want to make sure you continue to dive deeper into the material and avoid reading on auto-pilot. 

Reading Passage 1: The Economics of Minimalism

Minimalism, a lifestyle trend focused on reducing material possessions, is often viewed as a response to consumerism and the increasing pressures of modern life. However, the economics of minimalism present a more complex picture. At its core, minimalism challenges the conventional belief that happiness is directly correlated with the acquisition of goods. Proponents of minimalism argue that by purchasing less, individuals are able to save more money, reduce financial stress, and prioritize experiences over things. On a macroeconomic scale, however, minimalism could lead to reduced consumer spending, potentially impacting industries that rely on high-volume sales, such as retail and manufacturing. Despite these concerns, minimalism is increasingly seen as a sustainable alternative to overconsumption, particularly as environmental concerns about waste and resource depletion grow. The economic implications of this movement continue to be debated, particularly regarding its long-term effects on both individual well-being and global markets.   

Reading Passage 2: The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in Decision-Making 

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to develop, its role in decision-making across various sectors—such as healthcare, finance, and law—has become a subject of ethical debate. One primary concern is the transparency of AI-driven decisions. Algorithms often operate as “black boxes,” meaning their decision-making processes are not fully understood, even by their creators. This lack of transparency raises questions about accountability when AI systems produce biased or harmful outcomes. Another ethical challenge revolves around autonomy. Should AI be trusted to make decisions in sensitive areas like medical diagnosis or legal judgments, where human lives and freedoms are at stake? Advocates argue that AI can reduce human error and increase efficiency, while critics warn that relying too heavily on machines could undermine human expertise and oversight. As AI systems become more integrated into daily life, the ethical frameworks guiding their use must evolve to ensure fairness, accountability, and the protection of human rights.

Reading Passage 3: The Impact of Interior Design on Focus and Study Habits

Research on interior design has shown that the layout and elements of a room can significantly influence concentration, focus, and overall productivity, particularly in study environments. One key factor is lighting—natural light has been found to enhance mood and increase alertness, while dim or artificial lighting can lead to eye strain and fatigue. Similarly, color schemes play a role in mental stimulation: muted tones like blue and green are often associated with calmness and better concentration, whereas bright colors like red or yellow can increase anxiety or distractions in a study space. Another important element is spatial organization—cluttered rooms have been shown to overwhelm the mind, making it harder to focus, while a minimalist, organized layout can promote mental clarity and facilitate deep thinking. The placement of furniture and the use of ergonomic designs can also contribute to comfort and sustained focus. As awareness grows around the psychology of space, more students and professionals are investing time into optimizing their environments for better study habits and work performance.