GIST STATEMENT
Before Reading
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Explain that a gist statement is a short summary (typically 10-20 words) that conveys the main idea of a passage.
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Discuss the importance of identifying essential information rather than minor details.
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Model how to create a gist statement using a familiar text.
During Reading
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Encourage students to annotate key ideas as they read.
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Guide them to look for the main idea and supporting details.
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Have students pause at key points to summarize small sections in their own words.
After Reading
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Ask students to write a 1-2 sentence gist statement summarizing the passage.
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Have students share and compare their statements with peers, discussing different interpretations.
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Provide guided practice by refining and revising gist statements for clarity and accuracy.
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Gradually release responsibility, allowing students to create gist statements independently or in small groups.
THE RESEARCH
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The IES Guide recommends summarization as a high-impact strategy for improving reading comprehension. Determining the gist of a short section of text is one of the four comprehension building practices recommended by the guide (What Works Clearinghouse, 2022).
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Teaching summarization strategies like gist statements has an effect size of 0.79 (2018, Hattie), making it one of the most effective reading comprehension techniques.