Assignment Writing: Reading Tips

Following a reading model can help you get the most out of your text. It can also help when you need to read texts that are more difficult.

There are five steps in this reading model. 

These stages can be done in order, or you can choose just one stage to practice. However, remember that you don't want to waste time reading in detail if the text isn't relevant. So it's worth taking the time to skim or scan the text before reading in detail. 

So, you've found a text to read. 

Ask yourself, 

• Why am I reading this text?
• What does the title tell me about the text? Does the title sound useful?
• What do I already know about the topic?
• What do I want to find out?
• Is there something in particular I need from the text to help with my assignment?

This stage is about deciding whether it's worth taking the time to read the text. Text features are things within the text that help you find and understand the information. Use the text features to help you decide whether you should read it.

 Take a moment to look at your text.

Answer the questions above and look at the text features. Do you think it is worth reading? If so, move to Step 2. 

Skimming means reading quickly. You don't need to read all of the details, and don't worry if you don't understand parts of it. You're reading to get a general idea of what it's about, or to get the gist, and to see if it's relevant to your assignment. 

The sections that will give you the overall ideas are usually the:

• abstract or executive summary
• introduction and conclusion
• first sentences of each paragraph, or topic sentences. 

 Take a moment to skim your text. 

• What is the general idea of the text?
• What are the main things they are talking about?
• Are these ideas relevant to your topic?

Scanning means searching for specific information. This is often specific words or phrases, ideas and details. This is another way to decide if the information is relevant.

As you move your eyes quickly down the page, also looks for bold, italicised, underlined words, as well as different coloured words. 

When reading books, scan the index page for keywords. Flick to the suggested pages and scan them for details. 

 Take a moment to scan your text.

• Is there any specific information that I am are looking for? For example, dates, names, ideas.
• Are there important keywords in my assignment that I want to find in the text?

Steps 1,2 and 3 will help you decide if you should take the time to read the text thoroughly. If you've done your reading preparation, skimming, and scanning, you have two options: to read on or to move on. 

• Read on:  If you think the text is relevant to your topic and useful, read on carefully. 
• Move on: If you think the text is not what you're looking for, move on to another one.

Another reason to move on is if you found the text difficult to read or understand. There will be many other texts on your topic that will be easier to read. 

 Take a moment to decide, are you going to read on or move on?

Take the time to read the text more slowly and thoroughly so that you understand it completely. 

When reading in this way:

• Read actively! Make notes in the margins. Underline/highlight key points. 
• Google unfamiliar words and concepts.
• Read critically by asking yourself questions while reading. For example, 
  • is there evidence to support this idea?
  • what is an alternative point of view?
  • how does this relate to my topic?
• Summarise each paragraph as you read them.
• Take detailed notes. Try to write your notes in your own words.

 Take a (long) moment to read your text more thoroughly. 

Try some of the techniques listed above.