Your Study Guides and Strategies starts here!

Difficulty is a
severe instructor
Edmund Burke 1729 - 97
Irish/British statesman

Reading and research series

Reading  a text chapter

A stepped exercise

Reading a text book can be made easier by dividing the task into parts.

In reading a chapter:

1. First set the scene!  for perspective and context:

  1. Review your assignment in your syllabus and handouts
  2. Quickly scan the chapter (5 minutes)
    Note headings and sub-headings, introductory and end-of-chapter questions, graphics/illustrations/maps, etc.
  3. Review the DVD, Web site, background information, etc. that relate to the text

2. Read!

  1. Read sentences, paragraphs and short passages with short pauses
  2. Don't ignore related graphics and illustrations
  3. Link descriptions and explanations to their comparisons and examples
  4. From time to time, ask yourself if you understand what you are reading

3. Review

  1. Mark or highlight points you feel are important
    Check out the guide on taking notes in a text book.
  2. Write down and define in your own words new vocabulary and concepts
    Check out the guide Mapping vocabulary exercise
  3. Reading passages out loud may help
  4. Review difficult passages with your own words to help you understand them

Flash exercise contributed by Annika Seaberg and Dr. Brad Hokanson (faculty), Graphic Design I (DHA 3351) School of Design, University of Minnesota