How to read for understanding

Academic texts require a specific approach to reading which is active and focused. You should pay attention to understanding and examining the underlying meaning of the text.

Your approach will vary depending on what you are reading, why you are reading it, and what you are trying to find out.

What is active reading?

Active reading is the process of reading with a focus on understanding, identifying and retaining key information from a text. Unlike other forms of reading such as reading for pleasure, active reading is usually a non-linear process; instead you will need to use a variety of techniques such as preview, review, and asking questions of the text to help you to identify the information you are looking for. Reading for understanding is the beginning of the learning process.

This interactive tutorial will help you to develop the key skills that you will need for active and focused reading.

Start the online tutorial - active reading for understanding: how to read an academic text effectively

This workshop recording will introduce some useful strategies to get the most out of your active and focused reading.

Watch focused reading: strategies and techniques on Kaltura

Preview and review

Previewing and reviewing a text allows you to identify key sections to focus on and get the most out of your reading time. Try following these steps:

Read the overview material. For example, a book introduction or an article abstract and then scan through the table of contents or the section titles in an article.
Scan-read through the text asking yourself the following questions:

Which parts are most important?
What don't I need to read?

Make a note of important pages or sections to return to and jot down some key questions related to the text.
Review the sections relevant to your questions in detail and make relevant notes.

Asking questions of the text

The process of answering the questions will help you to stay focused and it will make your reading purposeful

Aim for no more than three to five questions per text, covering both the bigger picture and the detail. Questions should be conceptual rather than fact based if possible.

For example:

What is the overall argument of the text?
What are the main examples given?
How might this be applied in practice?
Why was the research undertaken?
What are the limitations of the research?

You can use your reading questions to organise your notes and to evaluate whether you have got everything that you need from the text.

Next time you are reading an academic text try out the preview and review and setting research questions techniques. Did you feel that you were able to quickly and easily get the key information you needed from the text?

How to effectively read a journal article

In most cases, reading research journal articles from start to finish is not the most effective way to gain the information contained in them. You need to recognise the structure and the type of information you might find within the different sections.

By working through this online tutorial you will develop your approach to reading research journal articles in the most productive way.

Start the online tutorial - how to read a journal article

Book a workshop on reading academic texts effectively.

More information

Reading for Diversity

The Library has teamed up with BookSoc, Sheffield University’s book society, to create a programme of Reading for Diversity reading groups.

These will take place throughout the year and are often timed to celebrate awareness months.

Books are chosen by the students, and all shortlisted and discussed books are added to the Reading for Diversity reading list. They are available as both print and online copies from StarPlus, where possible.

Book onto the next reading group for Black History Month

Have a look at the Reading for Diversity reading list to discover books from diverse and often underrepresented voices and perspectives.

StudySkills@Sheffield