How to Study Well by Reading

Can't concentrate when you read? Do you feel that the words go through your eyes and out your ears? Here is how to study well when reading.

Steps

Download Article

If you want to study properly, don't just bring your book. You will need a notebook and pencils, pens and highlighters. This will help you pay more attention when reading rather than reading passively.
During this, read for content. Try to understand the overall message or story. Put a * with a pencil when you read something that you think is important, rare, or stands out. If you want, just read a page at a time.^{[1]XResearch source}
Advertisement
This time, read over, and see if the points with the * are still that important. If they are, Highlight them. There should be no more than 10 lines on a page that is highlighted. The highlighted points would help you find important quotes or sentences when you need them later on, or to study for exams. This way, you can skip reading it again, and only have to read the highlighted important points.^{[2]XResearch source}
4
Take notes. Pull out your notebook and summarize what you read.^{[3]XExpert SourceAlexander Ruiz, M.Ed.
Academic TutorExpert Interview. 18 June 2020.} Try to make it as short and precise as possible. You can make jot notes or a paragraph, which ever is easier for you to read later on.^{[4]XResearch source}
- The reading might be easier to understand if you write it in your own words.^{[5]XExpert SourceAlexander Ruiz, M.Ed.
  Academic TutorExpert Interview. 18 June 2020.}
5
Study. You already read through the passage twice and used your own mind to rewrite and make notes, so it should be stuck in your head. But remember to review every 2-3 days to make sure you don't forget.
- Don't put off your reading until the last minute, or else you might feel overwhelmed.^{[6]XExpert SourceAlexander Ruiz, M.Ed.
  Academic TutorExpert Interview. 18 June 2020.}
After reading comes the most important step–recollection. Recollection is what you get grades or marks for. Be prepared to give a thorough and detailed answer to the question, "What have you read?" If you can remember it now you will most likely remember it later. Your brain is like a muscle; you need to train it to do the job by doing it again and again. After all, you did not learn to run without learning to walk. You have learned your mother tongue by repeating again and remembering the use and meaning of every word you have heard from anyone around you.^{[7]XResearch source}

Supercharge Your Studying with this Expert Series

Download Articles

Do you want to make your studying more efficient, learn more quickly, and remember more information? Check out these expert articles.

1

Study For Exams

2

Study So You Can Remember Everything

3

Make a Study Space

4

Create Good Study Habits for Exams

5

Learn Without Forgetting

6

Retain Information when You Study for a Test

Download Articles

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question
How do you remember and retain information?
Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.
Educational Consultant
Alexander Ruiz is an Educational Consultant and the Educational Director of Link Educational Institute, a tutoring business based in Claremont, California that provides customizable educational plans, subject and test prep tutoring, and college application consulting. With over a decade and a half of experience in the education industry, Alexander coaches students to increase their self-awareness and emotional intelligence while achieving skills and the goal of achieving skills and higher education. He holds a BA in Psychology from Florida International University and an MA in Education from Georgia Southern University.
Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.
Educational Consultant
Expert Answer
Identify what's most important in your reading and write it down in your own words. This way, you're leaning on your own understanding instead of just reading the textbook.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 1 Helpful 9
Question
How do you read books with sticky notes?
Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.
Educational Consultant
Alexander Ruiz is an Educational Consultant and the Educational Director of Link Educational Institute, a tutoring business based in Claremont, California that provides customizable educational plans, subject and test prep tutoring, and college application consulting. With over a decade and a half of experience in the education industry, Alexander coaches students to increase their self-awareness and emotional intelligence while achieving skills and the goal of achieving skills and higher education. He holds a BA in Psychology from Florida International University and an MA in Education from Georgia Southern University.
Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.
Educational Consultant
Expert Answer
Place sticky notes next to important passages that you'll probably re-read in the future.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 2 Helpful 8
Question
How can I understand and answer quickly?
Community Answer
Read the chapter, answer carefully and try to understand it. Don't use the 'memorizing' method, but understand it and write the answer in your own words.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 6 Helpful 64

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

After you finished making your final notes, pretend you are a professor and teach your imaginary class. Say whatever you can from memory, and if you must, go back. This can also tell you what you have down and what you have to study more.
Thanks
Helpful2 Not Helpful0
If you must, read out loud. Sometimes hearing yourself say it makes it easier to memorize it.
Thanks
Helpful2 Not Helpful0
Avoid any distractions. Don't read for 2 minutes and text for 2 minutes. Your mind must be 100% on what you are reading.
Thanks
Helpful2 Not Helpful0