Read Read and Read

How to Benefit from Your Reading

Reading can be a pain if you aren't a bookworm or a diligent reader already. Here are some ways to make reading - especially for study - more beneficial for you.

Steps

1

Keep a reading journal. In your journal, write a summary of the chapter, a list of vocabulary words that elude or confuse you, and brief discussion about how the section made you feel/what you thought of/meaning, etc.

2

Choose your reading area.Read in a comfortable area, but not too comfortable. If you don't care much for reading, reading in bed, or on a comfy couch may not be a good idea. You don't want to fall asleep!

3

Manage your reading time. Try to dedicate certain times for your reading. Also, try to stick to those times.

Chose the timing for reading wisely. Reading right before bed may not be the best time for a non-reader. Try the morning, or during meals.

Read in spurts, ten minutes here, twenty there. Don't spend all day with a book if you don't have the time.

4

Write and reflect on the book. Make notes in the margins, and ask yourself questions about what you've just read. The questions can be rhetorical, the idea is to turn the page into a grounds for thinking, books don't mind if you write on them.

Use highlighters, page tabs, and favorite pens/bookmarks. Believe it or not, this makes reading more study than tedious work.

Write a summary or take down quotations of passages with special meaning to you.

Write a piece of your own inspired by or in the style of what you have read. Reading can be an excellent inspiration and guide towards writing.

5

Find people to discuss the book with. You can start a book club, discuss the book online and read others' discussions, or if it's for a class, a group you discuss the work with outside of class. You can include reviews, or critical analysis.

6

Look at your own habits and tendencies in light of what you read. What have you learned? What would you change about yourself.

Tips

Just read; don't set up chapter or page goals. Keep it simple, and fun at the beginning!

Do a little exercise before you read. You'll be awake and alert.

Warnings

Don't read with the TV or computer on - too distracting!

Don't read if you are already sleepy!

Don't keep reading on a full stomach - nap time will get you!

Never underline or highlight in a library book. Use removable flags, bookmarks, or sticky notes if you wish to mark important passages.