6 - Reading to Learn

active reading

increases concentration, prepares you more effectively for tests and exams

four steps of active reading

previewing, marking, reading with concentration, reviewing

previewing

taking a first look at your assigned reading before you really tackle the content

mapping

shows relationships between main and secondary ideas
outlining

outlining

provides a step-by-step visual image

lisiting

effective for dealing with many new terms and definitions

creating flashcards

write a question or term on the front of a small card, add the answer or definition on the back

reviewing

looking through your assigned reading again

math texts

there are lots of symbols and few words

social sciences

are filled with special terms specific to a particular field of study

humanities texts

provide facts, examples, opinions, and original material such as stories or essays

supplementary material

sources can include journal articles, research papers, and original essays