Do the next three reading exercises:

1. Jack is a professional basketball player.

(Students) Without reading the exercise, what do you know about Jack?

(Teacher) Now tell them that Jack plays professional basketball in the Continental Basketball Association
(CBA).
He could not make the NBA because he was only 5’5”.
He is an excellent point guard.
However, the CBA doesn’t pay well because he has to hold down a second job to pay his bills. 

2. Robin is a cheerleader

(Students) Without reading the exercise, what do you know about Robin?

(Teacher) Now tell them that Robin goes to college at the University of Virginia.
He tried out for the cheerleader squad because it was a way to meet women.
His main role is to be at the bottom of the cheerleader pyramid, holding up the women who do
gymnastics from the top of the pyramid.
He himself has no gymnastic or dance skills.

3. On his first day on the job, Stuart was nervous and shook hands with his boss using his left hand.

(Students) Did Stu do anything wrong?

(Teacher) While Stuart was nervous, he did not do anything wrong.
Stuart recently sprained his right shoulder so his right arm was in a sling up against his chest.
The only hand he had free to shake his boss’s outstretched hand was his left hand.

Preconceptions can both help and hinder your reading. The writer assumes that the reader has a
particular level of reading ability and comprehension. However, you should be open to the fact that your
preconceptions and knowledge might be challenged by what you are reading.