Do you get to the bottom of a page and realize you've been daydreaming? It happens to everybody at some point or another. Fortunately, learning to read smartly and take good notes will make the reading a whole lot easier, faster, and much more fun. Read the process below.
Eliminate distractions. Get off the computer, turn off the TV, and cut out the
music. It's very difficult to read, especially if you're reading something
difficult, when your attention is divided. Reading closely means you have to
find a nice, comfortable location that's distraction-free.
- Make reading fun by getting yourself a snack or a drink and getting comfortable. Burn a nice-smelling candle or read in the tub to make yourself as comfortable, and make reading as enjoyable as possible, especially if it's not something you're excited about reading.
Skim first and then read closely. If you're reading something difficult, don't worry too much
about spoiling the ending for yourself. If you read a paragraph and have to
start the paragraph over, consider skimming over the whole story, or flipping
through the book somewhat to get a sense of the plot, the main characters, and
the tone of the reading, so you'll know what to focus on as you read more
closely.
- Taking a look at Cliff's Notes or reading about the book online can be a good way to get a good summary of the reading to help you get through it more easily. Just don't forget to go back and read through more closely.
Picture what you're reading. Think of yourself as a movie director and picture the
action while you're reading it. Cast the movie with actors, if it helps, and
really try to picture the events as realistically as possible. This can be a
lot more fun, and it will help you remember and understand what you are reading
a lot better.
Read out loud. Some people find it much easier to stay focused and
interested in what they're reading by reading out loud. Lock yourself in your
room, or hide in the basement and read as dramatically as you want. This can
help slow you down if your tendency is to try to skim too quickly, and it can
help make the reading more dramatic if you find it somewhat boring.
- Always try reading poetry out loud. Reading The Odyssey becomes a much more awesome experience when you invoke the muse aloud.
Look up any words, locations, or
ideas you don't recognize. You can
use context clues to help you figure out things by yourself, but it's always a
good idea to take a minute to learn any references you might not have gotten
the first time. It'll make the reading much easier.
- In school, having looked up an unfamiliar word or concept will always win you bonus points. It's a good thing to get in the habit of doing.
Take breaks.
Make sure you save enough time to do your reading so you can complete it
comfortably and take frequent breaks. For every 45 minutes of reading you do,
let yourself relax for 15 or do some other kind of homework, to give your mind
a rest and let yourself focus on other things for a while. When you're ready,
come back fresh and excited to get back to the story.
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