# UNC Learning Center Authors - Reading Comprehension Tips (Highlights) ![rw-book-cover|256](https://readwise-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/static/images/article1.be68295a7e40.png) ## Metadata **Cover**:: https://readwise-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/static/images/article1.be68295a7e40.png **Source**:: #from/readwise **Zettel**:: #zettel/fleeting **Status**:: #x **Authors**:: [[UNC Learning Center Authors]] **Full Title**:: Reading Comprehension Tips **Category**:: #articles #readwise/articles **Category Icon**:: 📰 **URL**:: [learningcenter.unc.edu](https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/reading-comprehension-tips/) **Host**:: [[learningcenter.unc.edu]] **Highlighted**:: [[2021-09-08]] **Created**:: [[2022-09-26]] ## Highlights ### Before reading #### Know your purpose - Although many students don’t think about this step, engaging with a text before reading can crucially boost your understanding and retention. ([View Highlight](https://instapaper.com/read/1442360194/17401227)) #### Integrate prior knowledge - Before previewing the text, determine what you already know about the material you are to read. ([View Highlight](https://instapaper.com/read/1442360194/17401231)) #### Preview the text #### Plan to break your reading into manageable chunks - Taking breaks while reading improves focus, motivation, understanding, and retention. ([View Highlight](https://instapaper.com/read/1442360194/17401239)) - Don’t jump in all at once. Give the text an initial glance, noting headings, diagrams, tables, pictures, bolded words, summaries, and key questions. ([View Highlight](https://instapaper.com/read/1442360194/17401245)) #### Decide whether and how to read from a screen ### While reading #### Self-monitor - Before resuming, summarize the last chunk of text you remember to make sure that you know the appropriate starting point. ([View Highlight](https://instapaper.com/read/1442360194/17401257)) #### Annotate - Develop a key/system to note the following in the text: key ideas/major points, unfamiliar words/unclear information, key words and phrases, important information, and connections. ([View Highlight](https://instapaper.com/read/1442360194/17401267)) #### Summarize - After reading small sections of texts (a couple of paragraphs, a page, or a chunk of text separated by a heading or subheading), summarize the main points and two or three key details in your own words. ([View Highlight](https://instapaper.com/read/1442360194/17401269)) #### Ask hard questions - Think like a professor and ask yourself higher level, critical thinking questions ([View Highlight](https://instapaper.com/read/1442360194/17401271)) ### After reading #### Check in with yourself #### Show what you know - Try “cross-referencing” the information you read with simpler writings on the same subject and discussing your takeaways with peers. ([View Highlight](https://instapaper.com/read/1442360194/17401275)) - Create an outline of the text from memory, starting with the main points and working toward details, leaving gaps when necessary to go back to the text for facts or other things you can’t remember. ([View Highlight](https://instapaper.com/read/1442360194/17401277)) - Brain dump: write down everything you remember from the reading in 5 minutes. ([View Highlight](https://instapaper.com/read/1442360194/17401278)) - Identify the important concepts from the reading and provide examples and non-examples of each concept. ([View Highlight](https://instapaper.com/read/1442360194/17401279)) - Create a concept map from memory to illustrate your learning from the assigned reading. ([View Highlight](https://instapaper.com/read/1442360194/17401282)) #### Investigate further #### Self-test