Tips for Underlining Text in a Textbook

I. Tools

• Pen and straight edge ruler
  
• Highlighter
  
• Note paper
  

II. Purposes

• Study begins when you decide what you will learn. When you underline, you decide what you will learn.
  
• If you underline accurately, you will be able to review and make notes more easily.
  

III. Guides for Underlining

• Read an entire section first.
  
• Do not underline too much.
  
• Select information you want to learn to make into notes.
  
• Make major points stand out clearly.
  
  • Use numbers.
    
  • Use double underlining.
    
  • Use stars.
    
• Make margin notes.
  
  • Use key words.
    
  • Use brief summaries.
    
  • Write questions if you do not understand something, so you can return to that section.
    
• Realize that introductions rarely contain material that needs to be underlined.
  
• Turn major headings and sub-headings into questions.
  
  • Underline the condensed answer.
    
  • Answers may include information in:
    
    • Topic sentences
      
    • Words printed in special type
      
    • Numbered lists.
      
  • Pay attention to and be aware of words of transition, introduction, conclusion, and definition (such as accordingly, since, then, of course, but, yet, more important, likewise, besides, for these reasons, subsequently, afterwards, that is, that means, etc.).
    
    • Should see major facts in an outline form.
      
• Use brackets when several lines are important to underline.
  
• Use numbers when a series of ideas are important.
  
• Place a question mark beside unclear sections of information.
  
• Write down questions that you have for the professor in your class notebook.

Suggestions for Increasing Reading Speed and Effectiveness

I. Considerations and Limitations

• When time demands and purpose permits, you should "switch gears" in order to absorb the ideas and information in books at more rapid speeds.
  
• This high-level fast reading, however, should not be interpreted as applicable to all types of reading situations .

II. Causes of Slow Reading Speeds

• Individual variables -- intelligence, motivation, physiological, and psychological traits.
  
• Deficiencies in vocabulary and comprehension levels required for the reading.
  
• Inflexibility -- tendency to read everything the same way regardless of format, content, etc.
  
• Passivity -- failure to become involved with the reading material.
  
• Unnecessary and habitual regression or re-reading due to lack of concentration.
  
• Slow reaction time to reading material.

III. How to Begin

• Determine the purpose of the assignment.
  
• Preview the selection to determine its difficulty.
  
• Be flexible. Determine how to read an assignment by its difficulty and purpose.
  
• Understand that there are many reading speeds and pace yourself.
  
• Get ready to read. Sit at a desk or table. You may need to shut down your computer if it is on your desk. This will help you avoid the distractions of e-mail and Instant Messenger. Do not sit on the couch.
  
• Set a time limit, but be realistic. Look over the number of pages you have to read.
  
• Concentrate. If you push your reading rate to capacity, you will not have time to think about other things and allow your mind to wonder.
  
• Try a self-pacing method: Use an index card, ruler, or other straight edge and move it down the page as you read, or move your finger or pencil point down the margin beside the lines you are reading.
  
• Relax -- it promotes concentration.

Tips on How to Read a Difficult Book

• Skim the book first.
  
• Look at the title page and any sub-titles.
  
• Look at the table of contents to get a sense of the structure.
  
• Look for things you understand.
  
• Start reading.
  
• Read over difficult material a second time. If you still do not understand it, move on to something else or take a break and come back to it.
  
• Look for the important words.
  
• Stop at the end of each paragraph or section and paraphrase it in your own words.
  
• Read out loud. Hearing what we read is like reading it a second time.
  
• Meet with your instructor and discuss your questions. Point out the paragraphs you found hardest to understand.
  
• Find a tutor.
  
• Use another text. Concepts are sometimes easier to understand if expressed in a different way.
  
• Keep a dictionary with you while reading for easy reference.
  
• Pretend you understand, and then explain it to someone else or even yourself.
  
• Do not get stressed over difficult material.
  
• Read footnotes, arguments, and references.

Tips for Taking Notes while Reading

Taking notes on reading requires the same skills that apply to class notes: observation, reading, and review. You should take notes on reading:

• When you need more extensive notes than you can write in the margin of the text.
  
• When you are reading from a book that you cannot write in such as a borrowed book, library book, etc.

Methods to use:

• Outlining -- works best when the material you are reading is organized.
  
• Cornell method -- divide your note paper into three sections: notes in the right column, key words and questions in the left column, and a summary at the bottom of the page.
  
• Paragraph form -- summarize what you read in your own words and include important terms.
  
• Mind maps -- diagrams/summaries of overlapping lecture and text material.

Suggestions:

• Style/method of note taking should vary according to the material.
  
• Short story or poem:
  
• Read the entire thing once without taking notes.
  
• Write down your immediate impressions.
  
• Reread the piece, taking notes on characters, plots, etc.
  
• Scientific/technical material:
  
• Copy important formulas, terms, etc.
  
• Recreate or write down the page number of important diagrams or figures.