Aids To Use During Reading

Aids To Use During Reading

  • Web-Based Material.

Many textbooks have web addresses where supplementary material can be found.  These can include additional text, extra problems and exercises, streaming videos and soundtracks.  These help the material become more meaningful.

  • Supplementary Material

Many textbooks are published with supplementary material such as workbooks, extra readings, and additional sample problems.

  • Headings

Headings give you an idea of what you are going to read and the organization of the text.  Using headings will allow you to make connections between what you have read and what you are about to read.

  • Marginal Notes

It is important to use both marginal that are provided by the texts publisher and make marginal notes for yourself in the text. Marginal notes can include definitions, questions that you have, connections with other texts you are reading, or notes to your self about other references to use.

  • Review Questions

 As you read think about the review question your author has provided or make up your own.  These will help you organize your thinking, remember what you are reading, and concentrate on the material at hand.

  • Graphics

These are used extensively in most textbooks. It is important to “read” graphics by looking at the components and recognizing how they are related.

  • List of Key Terms

Using lists of key terms allows you to look up their definitions before reading so that they are readily accessible while you are reading.  You can also write definitions for each of these terms as you read about them

  • Glossary

Use the Glossary to help find the definition of words in the intended meaning of the textbook.  This is an excellent resource when reading highly technical language.

  • Appendix

Often graphics, special descriptions of a technique, tables that can help you work exercises in the text, and other aids can be found in an appendix.  These can be used to help understand the meaning of the text.

  • Index

Many times words or topics in a text are defined or explained in another part of the text.  The index will help you to locate where else this material is discussed.  This will help you better arrive at a better understanding of the text.