Remember Me
forgot your password?

Active Reading Strategies Can Help In Your Revision For Exams

Reading skills are extremely important for anyone who wishes to acquire information, whether for a job, an education or simply a personal interest. Yet literacy alone is not a guarantee that one can read effectively. Everyone has had an experience of reading a page only to realize that not a single sentence on that page can be recalled. This is an unfortunate example of distracted, inattentive reading which wastes the reader's time and contributes nothing to his or her knowledge of the reading materials subject.

Effective reading skills are especially important for students, who are expected to study independently and absorb a bulk of written material. Preparing for class, reading for homework, researching for essays and studying for exams all require the ability not only to read but to understand and retain what has been read.

For this reason, active reading strategies that engage the mind of the reader and heighten comprehension are invaluable for students who are preparing for exams. By keeping the mind working during the reading process, active reading strategies can help students maximize the results of their studies and avoid wasting time.

One of the most important things to remember about active reading techniques is that the mind should be participating in the reading process. Active reading is not about taking notes or marking passages to reread later, so a student who is engaged in active reading should avoid highlighting passages of text, taking notes in a book's margin or underlining key phrases. Instead, the student should attempt to write notes on a different piece of paper, forcing the memory to retain the ideas from the reading material and prompting the mind to reproduce the key concepts.

In order for any of this to happen, the student must have a basic understanding of the material, and any inability to write down notes on a separate sheet of paper should be taken as a sign that the passage needs to be reread with greater attention.

One of the best ways to make sure that your reading time is productive is to create easy-to-read visual aids based on the material after you have read it. For example, after reading a description of historical events, close the book and try to create a rough
timeline of the occurrences you just read about. Anticipation of the need to create a timeline should keep your mind active during the reading process.

Rather than passively observing the material, you should try to retain as much of the information as possible. After making a first attempt at a timeline with the book closed, reread the passage and find out whether you missed any important points.

This technique will not only help you remember facts and dates from the passage, it will also alert you to the types of information that you tend to miss while reading. Over time, your practice with active reading techniques will make engaged reading second nature to you and will spare you the frustration of wasted study time.

Jon Kelly

Jon Kelly is a published author who writes articles, that includes ideas about studying techniques and speed reading. To get more ideas about speed reading. Please visit:Speed Reading Specialist.com

Rate this Article: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)
Print Email Re-Publish

Add new Comment



Captcha

  • Latest Self Improvement Articles
  • More from Jon Kelly

How To Make Your Own Beer?

By: Ken Smith | 10/11/2009
These kits come in several different price ranges and some include a lot of accessories, but a few of these accessories you'll be capable of finding in your house ( like a measuring cup and a wooden spoon ) so scrupulously check out all the information before you make a purchase. Lager making kits come complete with written and / or video instructions that may make it so simple for you to get started. Here is a list of the essential items you'll need :

Increase Your Financial Prosperity Now!

By: Antonio Thornton | 10/11/2009
Do you know how to increase your financial prosperity now? You will after you read this article.

Why You Need to Get Off Your Asset and Get Moving towards Prosperity

By: Dr Barnsley Brown | 10/11/2009
Want to know why the Scarecrow would be really upset with you and how you approach your greatest asset? Check out this powerful key to your success and prosperity before you waste more time!

The Biggest Investment You Will Ever Make

By: Branden | 10/11/2009
We are told that our biggest investment is our houses, our money, our business, our vote, our education, and so many countless other things.

Time to Start Climbing That Mountain

By: Tony Hall | 10/11/2009
When you sit down and define what it is you want from life you must have an ultimate outcome and it should be based upon how you really want to feel inside. Achieving it will be like climbing to the top of your own personal mountain, but what path will you take to get there?

The Art Of Listening: How To Improve Your Listening Skills In 3 Easy Steps

By: Michael Lee | 10/11/2009
The art of listening is quite easy to master if you’re willing to work at your skills. Do the 3 simple steps in this article to improve your listening skills.

Stephen Covey Quotes: How 3 Inspiring Quotes From Stephen Covey Could Boost Your Success

By: Michael Lee | 10/11/2009
In this article, I have compiled a set of Stephen Covey quotes that are specific to a person ready to take charge of his own life. I explained in detail how you can apply them in your life to achieve your goals faster.

What Britons worry about?

By: Southwest | 10/11/2009
It is reported that Britons spend more than 5 years of their total life worrying, more exactly, 27 days a year. The results come from a survey conducted by an International Organization.

The Symptoms To Look For With Atypical Migraine And How To Manage The Pain

By: Jon Kelly | 08/10/2008 | Diseases & Conditions
Millions of people find themselves regularly suffering from migraine headaches, which often have easily recognizable symptoms. Most regular sufferers can identify a migraine quickly after the onset of symptoms, which last anywhere from several hours to several days.

Tips To Surviving A Long Haul Flight

By: Jon Kelly | 03/09/2008 | Flights
Sooner or later, many people find themselves facing a very long plane trip. Professional assignments, family events and even the occasional dream vacation can motivate people to contemplate spending many hours on an airplane.

How To Spot Common Wireless Internet Problems

By: Jon Kelly | 03/09/2008 | Technology
The first step in preserving your wireless Internet connection is ensuring that your connection is set up properly from the beginning. If you plan on installing your own wireless Internet hardware, be sure that the pieces of hardware will be compatible. Everything you purchase, which may include a wireless router and network cards, should have information on the package about compatibility.

The Cost And Benefits Of Solar Power Explained As Renewable Energy Becomes A Viable Alternative

By: Jon Kelly | 27/08/2008 | Technology
As fuel costs continue to rise, alternative sources of energy become more attractive to individuals and businesses. For those who are concerned about pollution or about the depletion of natural resources, renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power have presented themselves as possible alternatives to oil and coal.

Caring For The Vibrant Beautiful Blooms Of Your Orchid

By: Jon Kelly | 18/08/2008 | Gardening
Orchids produce some of the most spectacular and intriguing flowers in the world, but they can also be among the most difficult plants to care for. Despite the challenge of maintaining them, orchids have a continuing popularity among plant enthusiasts, and there are a variety of orchids available for both the expert botanist and the novice orchid hobbyist.

Active Reading Strategies Can Help In Your Revision For Exams

By: Jon Kelly | 17/08/2008 | Self Improvement
Effective reading skills are especially important for students, who are expected to study independently and absorb a bulk of written material. Preparing for class, reading for homework, researching for essays and studying for exams all require the ability not only to read but to understand and retain what has been read.

A Few Profiles In Procrastination Psychology Demonstrating Organizational Strategy

By: Jon Kelly | 17/08/2008 | Time Management
In three particular areas of activity, namely college, business and home life, procrastination can have an especially detrimental effect. A closer look at the underlying factors for procrastination in each of these settings can help illuminate some of the influences in the decision to procrastinate.

How To Deal With The Typical Symptoms Of A Tension Headache

By: Jon Kelly | 17/08/2008 | Diseases & Conditions
Sleeplessness, digestion problems, unhealthy weight gain or loss, and muscles tension can all be caused by ongoing stress. One of the most disruptive stress-related ailments is a tension headache. While it is not always easy to get rid of this type of headache, there are things you can do to decrease the discomfort of a tension headache.

Submit Your Articles Free: Signup
Article Categories




Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2008 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved. (0.57, 6, w1)