Getting through material.
WHAT MOST PEOPLE DO
Start at the beginning and read every word.
WHY THAT IS INEFFICIENT
Much of any text is elaboration of points stated elsewhere.
WHAT TO DO FIRST
Establish what you need from the text.
WHAT TO READ FIRST
The abstract or summary The introduction and conclusion Headings, to see the structure The first sentence of each section
WHY
That tells you the argument, and where the detail you need is.
WHAT TO THEN READ CLOSELY
Only the parts serving your purpose.
WHAT TO DO WITH A DIFFICULT TEXT
Read it once without stopping, then again for detail.
WHY
Stopping at every unfamiliar term prevents grasping the whole.
WHAT TO NOTE AS YOU GO
The argument, in your own words Evidence you may cite Your own objections
WHAT TO RECORD IMMEDIATELY
The source details, fully.
WHY
Returning to find them later costs far more time than recording them now.
WHAT TO AVOID
Reading everything on a list without deciding what you need.
