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Textbook Reading Strategies

Adopt a systematic approach in tackling your reading assignments and you will be able to get the most out of your reading!

1. Glance over the headings and subheadings in the chapter to preview the chapter's ideas.
2. Read the introductory and concluding paragraphs as part of the preview stage.
3. Separate the main ideas from the supporting details.
4. Ask yourself questions after reading each paragraph or section.
5. Make marginal notes and underline only key words and phrases.
6. Write summaries of main ideas and support details.
7. Put ideas into your own words; it helps in recall of the information.
8. Recite ideas to master the material and fix ideas in your memory.
9. Review textbook notes along with your lecture notes.
10. Space review sessions of material to keep retention at a high level.