Skills for Study

This page tries to collect the skills of study and learning.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/
http://infotrac.thomsonlearning.com/infowrite/index.html
http://infotrac.thomsonlearning.com/infowrite/sp_exams.htm
http://infotrac.thomsonlearning.com/infowrite/wr_critthink.htm

http://infotrac.thomsonlearning.com/infowrite/sp_lit.htm
http://infotrac.thomsonlearning.com/infowrite/sp_exams.htm
http://sundance.heinle.com/reader3e/samples.html



1. Five steps to better reading

This five-step technique to better reading begins with scanning the text.

Step 1 - scan
Look at the text quickly. Notice headings, pictures, images and key words to try to get an overall impression.
Flick backwards and forwards through the pages.
If there are no pictures or headings, just glance at the first sentence of each paragraph.

Step 2 - question
Ask questions of the text: Who? What? Where? When? How? Why?
Read any questions provided in the text or course material.

Step 3 - read
Read the text in a relaxed, focused, and fairly speedy way. Don't agonise over difficult words or ideas.
Don't make notes.

Step 4 - remember
Test your memory - but don't worry if you can't remember much.
Jot down some points without looking at the text.

Step 5 - review
Read the text again, taking brief notes.
Use your own words - look away from the text and imagine you are trying to explain it to a friend, but don't be too informal.