BEFORE YOU READ (the chapter, the test text, the article):

Survey:

1. Page through the text.  Look at pictures. Read captions.

2. Look at headings.  Figure out how the chapter sections are divided and organized.

3. READ THE QUESTIONS YOU'LL HAVE TO ANSWER OR THE ASSIGNMENT YOU MUST DO! This should ALWAYS be done before you begin reading!  Your brain will already be working on the questions!

Question:

From your survey, ask yourself (or write down):

1. What is this chapter/text/article about?

2. What do I already know about this topic?

THEN YOU READ  (the chapter, the test text, the article):

IMMEDIATELY AFTER READING:

Recite: 

Summarize what you read, either writing or mentally.  

1. What are the key points?  

2. What was new information to you?  

3. What was the main idea?  

4. What were some of the details?

ONGOING, ON A REGULAR BASIS:

Review

If you're reading for a later test, then you should periodically go through your notes and revisit this text (chapter, article).  This is far better than cramming!