Which activity is described as 'save the last word for me' in after-reading strategies?

• A. Writing to read
• B. Re-reading with purpose
• C. Paired summarizing
• D. Save the last word for me

Answer: (D)

After-reading strategies aim to deepen understanding by turning reflection into discussion. The activity described as “save the last word for me” uses a chosen word from the text as the focal point for a final sharing moment. Students pick a word that stood out to them, then hold onto or “save” that word to discuss with a partner or the class. The emphasis is on explaining why that word matters in the context of the reading—how it contributes to meaning, themes, tone, or connections to their own experience. This practice supports vocabulary use and oral reasoning, because students must articulate their reasoning about why a single word is significant.

This approach is different from writing to read, where writing is used to support understanding before or during reading; or re-reading with purpose, which involves rereading with a specific goal in mind; or paired summarizing, which centers on jointly producing a summary rather than focusing on a single word for discussion. The “save the last word for me” activity is specifically about using a meaningful word as a prompt for reflection and discussion after reading.