1. Preview

   • Ask yourself, "What do I already know about the subject?"

   • Read a portion of the table of contents to see how this chapter is related to the ones preceding and following it.

   • Read the abstract, introduction, and summary or conclusion.

   • Read all the headings and sub-headings in the chapter and/or the first sentence in every long paragraph.

   • Learn all you can from pictures, maps, and other graphic aids.

   • Read the questions or problems at the end of the chapter.

   • Ask yourself, "What do I know about the subject now?"

2. Divide the chapter into meaningful sections.

3. Questions

   • Think about what you are reading this text (i.e. to discuss it, for background information, for a test, for a paper)

   • Ask yourself, "What do I need to know about this text?"

   • Turn headings and sub-headings into questions.

   • Ask any additional questions appropriate to the level of understanding which you need for your:

   1. subject comprehension questions such as:
   1. What does this remind me of ?
   2. What does this mean ?
   3. How does it work ? What are its parts ?
   2. interpretive association questions such as:
   1. What does this remind me of ?
   2. How would this work in a certain situation ?
   3. How does this connect with the last chapter/article I've read ?
   3. critical questions such as:
   1. What do I think of what I've read ?
   2. What are its strengths and flaws ?
   3. What's not there that could be there ?
   
   

   • Write your questions in your notebook, or on the page near the section where you think you will find the answer.

4. Read

   • Actively skim the text to find answers to your questions.

   • Read the parts of the text which are relevant to your questions more slowly and carefully than the other parts.

5. Record and reflect

   • Write answers to your questions in your notes, underline them in your text.

   • Summarize your understanding of the main points of the chapter.

   • Write down any final insights, criticisms, or unanswered questions.

For more information contact The Learning Skills Specialist at
(610) 660-1846