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Reading & Taking Notes

What is academic reading?

According to Burns and Sinfield (2022) this is the basic principle of academic reading:

  1. You read something and get an understanding
  2. You then add to this by looking at what other people have to say about the same topic
  3. You work out who agrees and who disagrees
  4. As you think about the different viewpoints you start to engage with what you are reading, questioning, analysing and evaluating it
  5. Your knowledge and understanding continues to grow... you are reading to learn.

Reasons for reading

There are lots of different reason why you might need to read at university.

Some of these might include:

  • To increase your knowledge and understanding of a topic, theory, idea or concept
  • To get a better grade 
  • To provide evidence for the point you are making in your writing
  • To inform a literature review, an annotated bibliography or your assignment
  • To develop your critical thinking skills
  • To engage with the academic debate around your subject area

When is a good time to read?

The best times to read are:

  • When you aren't tired! Pick a time and build it in to your day
  • Read even when you don't have to
  • Read in chunks of time - perhaps 20 mins. Try the Pomadoro technique
  • Read on your commute?

References

Burns,Tom and Sandra Sinfield. 2022. Essential Skills:The Complete Guide to Sucess at University. 5th Ed. London:SAGE