Maybe you have a paper tomorrow morning or you just heard about a surprise reading test in an hour. Grab your textbook now and follow these steps and it might just help you secure an A.
Step 1: Read the Chapter Title and Remember It
This sounds like common sense, but at the next textbook reading session, be sure to look at the title, read it, and make sure you understand it clearly. Even though the big, bold title is sitting right at the top of the page, it seems like many people simply ignore or forget about it and jump straight into sifting through pages and pages of tiny words. Look at the title and while reading the rest of the chapter, occasionally think about how it links with the title. Can you relate this paragraph back to the title and see the direction your author is taking? Occasionally, revising the title itself actually helps in better understanding the text as a whole.
Step 2: Read All Headings and Sub-headings in that Chapter
This is the same logic as point one. Think of it this way: it is much easier to remember things section by section instead of a whole story lumped together. This is especially crucial when cramming some last minute reading because when a person is anxious, practically nothing goes in. The least you could do is remember the sub-headings and you’ll have the gist of the 40-page chapter.
To drill them into your brain, copy them down repeatedly on a piece of paper. This also works in training your photographic memory; sometimes our brain can recall where we have seen particular words or pictures in certain places (i.e. the top left hand corner of a page). No matter what, do not go highlighting lines and lines fervently, as it is almost a guarantee that you will not remember much. Avoid highlighting, as it gives a false sense of security, which can result in a really abysmal outcome.
Step 3: Flip to the Back and Read the Chapter Conclusion
The conclusion is the best part of a chapter. Of course, it is impossible to get an in depth understanding just by reading a short paragraph, but it neatly summarizes all the important points. It even tells you if what you got out from the chapter was accurate or not. For instance, what you thought you read was that element A causes element B, but wait – the conclusion clearly states that it happens the other way round! This is where you go back to check the facts. Like every other thing we do in life, we learn better by making mistakes.
Step 4: If Really Out of Time: Read the Contents Page of the Textbook
Although this last resort is never going to get you a decent mark, a pass might be possible. See the contents page located at around page two? Read it. A chapter’s contents section might only have less than, say, 10 words, but it’s still something to read, however sparse. In the unfortunate event where you find yourself at this stage, just do what you can and promise yourself that you will study way in advance next time.
This strategy should only be used as a final solution and is not in any way how you should really be studying, especially if you are at higher levels. Entering college soon and wondering how to work smart? Read First Day of College: What to Know and How to Prepare.
Yan Hong Ng - Fresh out of university, Yan Hong is now ready to take on a full-time job in the journalism industry, armed with a Communications Degree ...
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