How to Read Academic Material Efficiently

Reading can consume a huge chunk of your study time. Take these steps to get the most of each reading minute.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Stress Relief Products
• Desk Lamps
• Highlighter Pens
• Spiral Notebooks

1. Settle into a quiet spot, such as a library, where you won't be distracted by phone calls, visitors, television or that pint of ice cream in the freezer.

2. Look briefly over the entire book or article. This will help you get a feel for the overall structure of the piece.

3. Read only what you need to read to meet the task your teacher or professor has set for you. Don't waste time on insignificant details.

4. Pay particular attention to introductory and concluding paragraphs. These often contain summaries of important points.

5. Take reading notes and/or highlight important sections. (See related eHows.)

Tips & Warnings

• Consider reading the conclusion first. Knowing where you're going will help you along the path.
• The next day, look back over your reading notes and/or the parts of the book or article that you highlighted; do so again in about a week. This will help the material to stick in your mind.

on 11/22/2005 If it's a short work or section, read through the section quickly, even if you feel you're not retaining anything. Then go back later and re-read it, taking notes on it as you go. You may then want to further condense these notes.