Academic Reading Strategies

Academic Reading Strategies

1. Skimming

   • focus on the parts which contain the main ideas
     • Tittle and sub-title
     • Abstract
     • First paragraph
     • Repeated words
     • Last paragraph
     • Section headings
     • First sentence of each paragraph
     • Last sentence of each paragraph

2. Scanning

   • Firstly, try to understand how the text is arranged
     • Look for keywords or phrases
       • Run your eyes down the page, in a zigzag pattern
   • Seaarching
     • Loo for an idea rather than scanning
       • For an actual word or phrase
         • As such, searching is part skimming, part scanning.

3. Surveying

   • A broad look at a text
     • focusing on the general aspects rather than details
       • Decide if the text is worth reading more closely.
         • Author´s details
         • Date of publication
         • Title and sub-title
         • Abstract
         • Introduction
         • Conclusion
         • Section headings
         • Graphics
           • Charts
           • Diagrams

4. Note taking

   • Make a note to the source
     • If you plan to use a text in your writting
       • Full details of the author
       • Title
       • Year of publication
   • Make a note to the main ponts
     • Decide what style of notes
       • linear
       • Pattern
   • Keep notes clear and concise
     • Pay attention to transition signals
       • Cause/ effect
       • comparison
       • Contrast
   • Try to use your own words
     • This will help you to avoid plagiarism
   • Distinguition between ideas in the text and your own words
     • Your ideas do not need citation

5. Annotating

   • Writting marginal notes
     • 1. Author's main points 2.Perspective of the text 3.Key areas of focus 4.Your own thoughts
       • Include a key or legend on your paper to indicate what each marking is for
         • Underline key points
         • Highlight for vocabulary
         • Circle for transition points
       • Use different colors for different types of reactions
       • Dedicate different tasks to each margin
         • Use one margin to make an outline
         • Use the other margin to note your thoughts, questions, and reactions

6. Tips for asking questions

   • To find and gather information, clarify, and build comprehension
     • Don’t ask a question you already know the answer to
     • Answer your own question using evidence from the text.
     • Stop after every heading or paragraph and ask a question.

7. Summarizing

   • One way of using another writer's work in your own
     • It may be just one or two sentences, to explain the main idea
       • The frame
         • The main idea of the article
           • It is usually included in the first sentence,
             • with a reference to the author and the main idea or argument
             • Use of reporting verbs
       • Reminder phrases
         • to remind the reade about the summerize of another text
           • It helps to avoid plagiarism
             • E.g. The author goes on to say that...
       • Transition signals
         • To organize the ideas in the summary
           • To compare
             • Likewise, similarly, in the same way, etc.
           • To contrast
             • However, in contrast, but, etc.
           • Cause/reason
             • For, because, since, as, etc.
           • Effect/result
             • Consequently, hence, thus, therefore, etc.