Comprehension

Reading Comprehension Tips

Before you read:

Preview
 

	Survey the entire assignment
	Look for familiar concepts, facts, or ideas

Outline
 

	Study chapter outlines, if provided
	Section titles and paragraph headlines can serve as major and topics

Question
 

	Jot down a list of questions about what you want to get out of the reading- use your preview for question material.
	Develop questions from concepts you don’t understand
	Turn chapter headings and section titles into questions

While you read:

Read
 

	Be conscious of where you are and what you are doing; Stay focused.
	Schedule breaks during reading.

Underline
 

	Create signals for review
	Write summary statements and questions in the margins.

Answer
 

Write down answers from step 3

After you read:

Recite

	Talk to your self or someone else in the room about subjects or points
	Talk in front of a mirror

Review
 

	Review within 24 hours of reading the material
	Look over notes
	Recite some of the main points
	The first review should be short

Review Again
 

	Review weekly or monthly
	Take advantage of any free time to review
	Schedule review periods well in advance

-- From Becoming a Master Student by Dave Ellis