Don't try to tackle assigned readings in textbooks or online as you would a novel or Facebook post. Instead, take the following approach to each chapter or individual reading assignment:
Read the Introduction and the Summary.

  Consider this a preview of the topics you will encounter. They also provide an overview of what you are expected to understand by chapter's end.

Ask questions about the reading and try to answer them as you go along. Turn the topics mentioned in the Introduction into questions and refer to them as you go along.

Tip: Jot these questions down in the margins of the book, in a notebook you keep on readings, a file on your computer, or on stickies placed in appropriate sections within the chapter so they are handy as references. You should find the answers as you progress through the reading. If not, read the section again looking for what you missed. If you have difficulty understanding anything from the reading, be sure to make a note of it and ask for clarification during lecture or recitation.

Look for visual clues. Bold print, underlining, bullets, font size, color, and type placement are often used to draw your attention to key principles and concepts. Illustrations, charts, diagrams, and their captions are equally important. For example, Biol ... Xem thêm