Reading a
College Textbook
Shari K. Nelson
Student Success Center
University of North Dakota
What tools do I need?
• Pencils/pens to write in the margin
What tools do I need?
• Pencils/pens to write in the margin
• Highlighters
What tools do I need?
• Pencils/pens to write in the margin
• Highlighters
• Copy of assignment
What tools do I need?
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Pencils/pens to write in the margin
Highlighters
Copy of assignment
Paper or computer to take notes
What tools do I need?
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Pencils/pens to write in the margin
Highlighters
Copy of assignment
Paper or computer to take notes
Dictionary
What are some general reading tips?
• Set aside time to read
What are some general reading tips?
• Set aside time to read
• Read the chapter before the lecture
What are some general reading tips?
• Set aside time to read
• Read the chapter before the lecture
• Break the reading into chunks
What are some general reading tips?
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Set aside time to read
Read the chapter before the lecture
Break the reading into chunks
Use a reading system (presented later)
What are some general reading tips?
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Set aside time to read
Read the chapter before the lecture
Break the reading into chunks
Use a reading system (presented later)
Use plastic index tabs or adhesive notes
What are some general reading tips?
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Set aside time to read
Read the chapter before the lecture
Break the reading into chunks
Use a reading system (presented later)
Use plastic index tabs or adhesive notes
Be careful when purchasing a used, highlighted book
Where and when should I read?
• Select the right company (or no company at all)
Where and when should I read?
• Select the right company (or no company at all)
• Select the right location
Where and when should I read?
• Select the right company (or no company at all)
• Select the right location
• Select a time when you are alert and focused
Where and when should I read?
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Select the right company (or no company at all)
Select the right location
Select a time when you are alert and focused
Don’t let technology distract you
Reading a College Textbook
What should I do before I start reading my
textbook?
• Know the assignment before you start
What should I do before I start reading my
textbook?
• Know the assignment before you start
• Preview the chapter
What should I do before I start reading my
textbook?
• Know the assignment before you start
• Preview the chapter
– Table of contents
What should I do before I start reading my
textbook?
• Know the assignment before you start
• Preview the chapter
– Table of contents
– Headings for each chapter
What should I do before I start reading my
textbook?
• Know the assignment before you start
• Preview the chapter
– Table of contents
– Headings for each chapter
– Preface
What should I do before I start reading my
textbook?
• Know the assignment before you start
• Preview the chapter
– Table of contents
– Headings for each chapter
– Preface
– Index, glossary or answer keys
What should I do before I start reading my
textbook?
• Know the assignment before you start
• Preview the chapter
– Table of contents
– Headings for each chapter
– Preface
– Index, glossary or answer keys
– Any study aids
What should I do before I start reading my
textbook?
• Know the assignment before you start
• Preview the chapter
– Table of contents
– Headings for each chapter
– Preface
– Index, glossary or answer keys
– Any study aids
– List of key terms
What should I do before I start reading my
textbook?
• Know the assignment before you start
• Preview the chapter
– Table of contents
– Headings for each chapter
– Preface
– Index, glossary or answer keys
– Any study aids
– List of key terms
– Sample tests
What’s the SQ3R reading/study system?
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Survey
Question
Read
Recite/Recall
Review
Why should I mark my textbook?
• Promotes active reading
Why should I mark my textbook?
• Promotes active reading
• Condenses the material
Why should I mark my textbook?
• Promotes active reading
• Condenses the material
• Increases comprehension
Why should I mark my textbook?
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Promotes active reading
Condenses the material
Increases comprehension
Keeps you focused
How should I mark my textbook?
• Read before you mark (highlight or underline)
How should I mark my textbook?
• Read before you mark (highlight or underline)
• Read one section at a time
How should I mark my textbook?
• Read before you mark (highlight or underline)
• Read one section at a time
• Underline words & phrases; not whole sentences
How should I mark my textbook?
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Read before you mark (highlight or underline)
Read one section at a time
Underline words & phrases; not whole sentences
Make notes in the margin
How should I mark my textbook?
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Read before you mark (highlight or underline)
Read one section at a time
Underline words & phrases; not whole sentences
Make notes in the margin
Predict questions in the margin
How should I mark my textbook?
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Read before you mark (highlight or underline)
Read one section at a time
Underline words & phrases; not whole sentences
Make notes in the margin
Predict questions in the margin
Use different colored highlighters
How should I mark my textbook?
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Read before you mark (highlight or underline)
Read one section at a time
Underline words & phrases; not whole sentences
Make notes in the margin
Predict questions in the margin
Use different colored highlighters
Write “Q” in the margin if you don’t understand, so you can
ask someone later.
What should I mark in my textbook?
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Headings
Subheadings
Main ideas
Supporting details
Theories
Definitions
What should I mark in my textbook?
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Headings
Subheadings
Main ideas
Supporting details
Theories
Definitions
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Examples
Statistics
Dates
People
Places
Events
What should I do when the reading is tough?
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Read it again
Look for essential words
Hold a mini-review
Read it out loud
Talk to your instructor
Stand up
What should I do when the reading is tough?
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Read it again
Look for essential words
Hold a mini-review
Read it out loud
Talk to your instructor
Stand up
• Find a tutor
• Use another text
• Pretend you understand,
then explain it
• Stop reading; take a short
break
How can I increase my vocabulary?
• Glossary
How can I increase my vocabulary?
• Glossary
• Dictionary
– Read every meaning, not just the first
How can I increase my vocabulary?
• Glossary
• Dictionary
– Read every meaning, not just the first
• Try to use the word in conversation within the next 24 hours
How can I increase my vocabulary?
• Glossary
• Dictionary
– Read every meaning, not just the first
• Try to use the word in conversation within the next 24 hours
• Create vocabulary flashcards for difficult to remember words
How can I increase my vocabulary?
• Glossary
• Dictionary
– Read every meaning, not just the first
• Try to use the word in conversation within the next 24 hours
• Create vocabulary flashcards for difficult to remember words
• Games/activities
– Scattegories; crossword puzzles; word-a-day emails
What about e-books?
• Paper vs. screen = personal preference
What about e-books?
• Paper vs. screen = personal preference
• Paper vs. screen = learning style
How should I read an e-book?
• Take notes
How should I read an e-book?
• Take notes
• Highlight and print out marked sections
How should I read an e-book?
• Take notes
• Highlight and print out marked sections
• Pace yourself (using your finger or paper)
How should I read an e-book?
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Take notes
Highlight and print out marked sections
Pace yourself (using your finger or paper)
Preview the entire page before reading
How should I read an e-book?
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Take notes
Highlight and print out marked sections
Pace yourself (using your finger or paper)
Preview the entire page before reading
Have text read aloud to you
How should I read an e-book?
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Take notes
Highlight and print out marked sections
Pace yourself (using your finger or paper)
Preview the entire page before reading
Have text read aloud to you
Work to avoid eye strain
Thank You!
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