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Effective reading: Home

Effective reading skills are key to managing the volume and complexity of reading at university.

Ask yourself these questions:

  • Do I need to read this?
  • How much detail do I need to read it in?
  • How can I read more effectively?

Top tips for reading

Evaluation

  • identify the author’s line(s) of reasoning and evaluate this critically
  • evaluate the evidence for the author’s argument
  • question their apparent ideas and check for any hidden assumptions
  • check whether the evidence cited in the paper supports the author’s conclusions
  • relate what you are reading to your own ideas and existing knowledge.

Notemaking

There is no ‘right’ way to make notes: you need to find the way that works best for you.

Consider:

  • written notes
  • e-notes
  • audio notes
  • highlighting
  • mind maps

For more ideas look at Skills for Study module on Reading and note-making. You can also watch the videos on this page on the Cornell Method and Outline Method for ideas.

Concentration

Find the right place and time for reading; take regular breaks and exercise.

You will find more detailed guides on effective reading in the resources listed on this page. 

Acknowledgement (click to read more...)

book image by Max Griboedov/Shutterstock (image ID:332573291)

Related resources:

Critical Reading & Writing Technique From Harvard University

How to get the most out of studying - cognitive principles including deep processing by Dr.Chew at Samford University

Easy Research Reading Technique

Note-taking Training - Outline Method

Cornell Notes Method of Taking Notes

Notemaking  by University of Southampton. 

Notetaking and Notemaking produced by Dyslexia Support, Enabling Services [PDF]

Evaluating information tutorial by University of Leeds.

Note making techniques - useful tips on effective note making and and accompanying video on the '3 column' technique by University of Leeds.

Critical reading techniques by Open University 

Reading and note-making.