Active Reading Tips

Preview your text

• Print it out, if you prefer
• Consider how the text fits within the course’s content
• Consider the contents: look at headings, pictures, captions, etc.
• Break down longer readings into smaller “chunks”
• Develop expectations and questions using titles, headings and sub-headings

Interact with your text

• Take notes or annotate: within the text or by using sticky notes, flashcards, etc.
• Analyze and interpret key details and big ideas
• Connect what you’re reading to other texts and topics in the course
• Reflect on how it relates to the course

Take action with the text! Use one (or more) of these options:

• Talk with someone else about the text
• Make up your own questions about the text
• Answer questions: your own questions, chapter questions
• Write a summary: put it into your own words
• Make an organizational chart or Venn diagram
• Review your notes and annotations: clarify and adjust as needed