Malcolm X: “Learning to Read”

Malcolm X: “Learning to Read”

• As you read:
• ANNOTATE—Outline the main ideas in the margins (at least two per page).
• Circle three challenging or new words—guess at the word’s meaning by using context clues.

After reading: Critical thinking questions

• What process does Malcolm X use to “learn” to read? How does it differ from how you learned?
• What’s an emotion you could use to describe Mx’s feelings about the reading and learning process he begins in jail? Explain your selection.
• Even though he’s in jail, how does reading make him feel?
• Give 2 specific examples of information Mx discovered through his prison readings.
• On page 253, Mx is asked, “What’s your alma mater?” and he replies, “Books.” What does he mean here?
• What is ironic about Mx’s final question in the essay?