How to Really Get an Assigned Reading
How to Really Get an Assigned Reading
1. Skim the assignment. If there are questions to guide the study, read them after you do your skimming. Number them if they are not numbered.
2. Read the assignment all the way through without any underlining or note-taking. If there were review questions, insert circled numbers next to the section where the question is answered.
3. Go back over the reading and underline and highlight major ideas.
- Underline only major points. Be careful not to underline too much.
- Pay attention to key words or phrases: "most important," "major," "three reasons." Note bold or italicized words.
- Box key vocabulary words, people, dates.
- Write vocabulary words (any word you cannot clearly define or properly spell) at the top of the page. Later look up the word in the dictionary.
- Write some notes in margins, especially ties to other parts of the book or course.
- Put asterisk or vertical lines next to those sections the teacher emphasizes in class lecture.
4. If needed, take an additional set of notes. When you take notes, use an outline format.
5. Review and study the assignment. Multiple, short efforts are often more effective than one long “cram.”
Try this exactly as directed at least a few times. Then judge its worth.
Then make it you own by adapting it to your likes and needs.
Build up a toolbox of learning methods.
