"Coming to an Awareness of Language" exercises

Reading Comprehension Questions

1. How did Malcom X remedy his inability to read. What do you think of his approach?

2. Why is reading so important to him? How does he demonstrate his need to read?

3. What advice do you think Malcom X would give you about learning to improve you reading and vocabulary skills?

4. How do you respond to Malcom X’s desire to educate himself through reading?

Reading / Writing Connection

One thing Malcom X mentions in “Coming to an Awareness of Language” is how he used the dictionary. To build up his vocabulary, he copied words and their definitions. Choose at random a page of your own dictionary. Select five words. Copy out the words as they appear with their definitions. Then write one original sentence for each of the words.