Highlighting
- Draw square blocks around the thesis and main points of the argument,
- Underline key supporting points,
- Circle key terms or vocabulary words and write the word in the margin,
- Number anything that indicates a sequence or steps.
In the Margins
Here are some things you may want to write in the margins as you read:
- Key concepts defined. Write an abbreviated definition,
- Key relationships—cause-effect, problem-solution, sequence, etc.,
- Short phrases explaining why a section was highlighted (underlined, circled, etc.),
- References to other parts of the text “connects to…on page…”,
- Questions, Predictions, Clarifications,
- Summaries – 3-5 words,
- Write longer summaries at the ends of sections,
- Leave Breadcrumbs – list topics, subtopics, themes in the left-hand margin. This creates a trail of breadcrumbs, making reviewing easier and creating the opportunity to make connections among the different parts of the text.
- Create a glossary of key words as you read. Every time you read a word you don’t know that seems important, write it down in your glossary. Be sure to write the page number and very short definition by each word in the glossary.