# UNC Learning Center Authors - Highlighting (Highlights) ![rw-book-cover|256](https://readwise-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/static/images/article3.5c705a01b476.png) ## Metadata **Cover**:: https://readwise-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/static/images/article3.5c705a01b476.png **Source**:: #from/readwise **Zettel**:: #zettel/fleeting **Status**:: #x **Authors**:: [[UNC Learning Center Authors]] **Full Title**:: Highlighting **Category**:: #articles #readwise/articles **Category Icon**:: 📰 **URL**:: [learningcenter.unc.edu](https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/using-highlighters/) **Host**:: [[learningcenter.unc.edu]] **Highlighted**:: [[2021-09-08]] **Created**:: [[2022-09-26]] ## Highlights - However, despite its popularity, highlighting tends not to be a very effective reading strategy. ([View Highlight](https://instapaper.com/read/1442940045/17401368)) - The problem is that instead of thinking critically about the content, they primarily spend their mental energy sorting the content into what’s important and what’s not. ([View Highlight](https://instapaper.com/read/1442940045/17401370)) - Focusing on which details to highlight can get in the way of a deeper understanding of the big picture. ([View Highlight](https://instapaper.com/read/1442940045/17401371)) - And even if we remember or even understand these highlighted nuggets, there’s no indication that we’re seeing the bigger picture and are able to apply, analyze, or evaluate the material ([View Highlight](https://instapaper.com/read/1442940045/17401375)) - Annotate. Take brief notes in your own words about the main concepts and key words in the margins of your text. This is a quick and engaging way to take notes. ([View Highlight](https://instapaper.com/read/1442940045/17401379)) - Ask and answer questions. Turn headings into questions and then answer them as you read. ([View Highlight](https://instapaper.com/read/1442940045/17401381)) - Summarize. Stop after every paragraph or page and write a brief summary of the main concepts in your own words. ([View Highlight](https://instapaper.com/read/1442940045/17401383)) - Only highlight after you’ve reached the end of a paragraph or a section. Stop and think about what you read and determine the main concepts before you highlight. ([View Highlight](https://instapaper.com/read/1442940045/17401388)) - Highlight key words and phrases instead of full sentences. ([View Highlight](https://instapaper.com/read/1442940045/17401393))