Comments on How to Decide What to Highlight While Reading

I have found that it is pretty neat to put a star (written in pencil) at the beginning and ending portions of what you think is important to highlight. Then, it is a good idea to just write down what you have put stars by. Such a thing is good for retention. When you are done with finals week, you can erase what you put stars by and sell those books back for a little money. When I first started at University, I highlighted everything and have books I will never use again that are highlighted big time. I missed out on making a little money selling them back because of that, but I always keep my ears open if anyone needs a book, you know? Like, I know my younger brother is going to use my old history books. But, I wished I learned sooner about highlighting. So, just work your starring and underlining technique in pencil and please write down what you mark because that is really good for your memory.

I have found that it is pretty neat to put a star (written in pencil) at the beginning and ending portions of what you think is important to highlight. Then, it is a good idea to just write down what you have put stars by. Such a thing is good for retention. When you are done with finals week, you can erase what you put stars by and sell those books back for a little money. When I first started at University, I highlighted everything and have books I will never use again that are highlighted big time. I missed out on making a little money selling them back because of that, but I always keep my ears open if anyone needs a book, you know? Like, I know my younger brother is going to use my old history books. But, I wished I learned sooner about highlighting. So, just work your starring and underlining technique in pencil and please write down what you mark because that is really good for your memory.

If you use different colors, you might try highlighting the dialog in a specific color.

If you use different colors, you might try highlighting the dialog in a specific color.

Always highlight names, anything in bold, the title, and everything that's underlined! Don't forget dates!

It helps to break down the info you're highlighting into subcategories by circling the word, then highlighting the information pertaining to it. For a history text you can circle the famous person or the date, then highlight the pertaining information.

pay extra attention to the title. The title gives out what the thing is all about, right? You don't go on highlighting something about apple is good when the title is Orange the fruit.

Read the first and last sentence of each paragraph. Authors use these sentences to state and restate the most important ideas in the paragraph.

Don't be afraid to highlight things in bold - after all, the writer thought they were important. Also if you can get a peek at your instructor's textbook, I'm always fascinated by what is highlighted there. And remember, they write the tests. ...

After you've highlighted something, you will benefit more if you write something in the margin explaining in your own words why you highlighted it or what it means. Highlighting alone isn't enough.

Use a different color highlighter pen for different topics. It helps you find what you want easily during revision time, and is particularly useful for dyslexic people.

If you find yourself doing a lot of highlighting, make it a goal to highlight no more than 20% of the text.

Read the first and last sentence of each paragraph. Authors use these sentences to state and restate the most important ideas in the paragraph.