Reading strategies

Before you begin to read, consider what the purpose of the reading is. Are you carrying out exploratory reading? Are you reading to develop your subject knowledge? Are you reading to prepare for a seminar, or to find information or case studies for an essay? 

Steps to take when preparing to read

1. Establish your purpose - This will help you to search for information that is relevant and help you to stay focused.
2. Search for relevant resources - A great place to begin is by consulting your reading list. Most modules have a reading list created by module convenors and designed to support and supplement your learning. Reading lists are often categorised into core and suggested readings. For further help, visit the guide to reading lists.
3. Using NUsearch - You may also want to carry out a literature search on NUsearch. This will enable you to find further information on your given topic. For further information, visit using NUsearch.
4. Get started - Once you have identified and accessed the resources you plan to read, you are ready to begin reading. At this point, you may want to consider limiting any distractions such as putting your phone away and finding a quiet place to read.

Academic reading differs slightly from leisure reading. The following tips offer advice for navigating academic reading.

Top tips

• Be strategic when approaching a text. For example, you may not always need to read an entire text, but selected chapters or sections. 
• When reading a book, use the contents page to identify relevant chapters. Use the index to search for key terms or topics on certain pages.
• It is always a good idea to read the introduction to a book, as this often provides key context to help you understand later chapters. 
• When reading journal articles, read the abstract to decide whether the article is relevant. If you are still unsure, skim read the introduction and conclusion. At this point, you should be able to determine whether to read the article in full.
• Sometimes, it may be enough to skim read to locate certain pieces or sections of information. At other times, you may need to slow the pace and carry out more in depth reading. 
• If you encounter unfamiliar words, phrases, or concepts, pause to look them up in a dictionary, encyclopaedia or reference book. Make a brief note of the definition and then re-read.

Whether you are struggling with comprehension, with focus, or with making notes whilst reading, the following strategies can support you to get the most out of your reading.

• Try using questions to make your reading more active. In this way, reading becomes an active search for information. 
• After you have finished reading a chapter or journal article, try to summarise the key points. This can really help with comprehension. You could summarise the key points in a few bullet points, on a post-it note, or even in a voice note.
• Ensure you have a system for making notes as you read. Try to keep your notes concise, organised and relevant to your purpose.
• Ensure you write notes in your own words, and copy down the reference details. 

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Study resource: Reading strategies

A key aspect of critical thinking is critical reading. To read critically means to ask questions of the sources that you read, resulting in a deeper engagement with and understanding of the material. 

Top tips

• When we read critically we don't just accept information at face value, but ask questions to gauge to validity and reliability of the information or ideas.
• When we read critically, we aim to evaluate information within and across sources.
• Critical reading can help you make judgements about the quality of the source, its relevance to your purpose, and help you to identify any biases or limitations.

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Study resource: Reading critically

There are lots of digital and non digital tools to help make reading more accessible, more comfortable, and more efficient. Here are some suggestions. 

• Explore Microsoft’s ‘Immersive Reader’ function. Immersive Reader allows you to change the background colour of your screen, change the spacing between letters and lines, use an envelope to help focus attention and includes a ‘read aloud’ function.
• Try using the ‘Read Aloud’ function on MS Word which reads texts to you over audio.
• Adjust your screen brightness and take regular breaks to prevent eye strain.
• Using ‘Control + f’ is a useful tool to help you navigate a long text and to help locate certain terms or key words. You can use it on Microsoft programmes, PDFS, and Webpages. Simply press ‘Ctrl’ and ‘f’ and then highlight or type the word or phrase you are searching for.
• Coloured overlays are thin sheets of plastic available in a range of colours and are used as reading aids. Some people find they can lessen strain on the eyes and can support reading speed and focus. 

Student Accessibility - tools and services to help improve the accessibility of materials