Reading Your Textbook

Many of your Salt Lake Community College classes will require you to use a textbook. Reading a textbook is different than reading for pleasure. It’s important that you practice active reading skills. Break your reading into 3 steps:  Survey, Read and Review. Below are some tips to active reading:

1. SURVEY – Before you begin reading, take a few minutes to survey the entire assignment and to get an overview of the chapter. As you survey do the following things:
   1. Read the titles, section headings, and anything in bold or italic print.
   2. Look at the pictures, graphs, charts and read their captions.
   3. Read the introduction, summary, and review questions.
   4. Write down any questions you may have thought of while surveying and/or while in class.
2. READ – Read with a purpose. Turn each heading or chart or title into a question. Read to answer those questions. Taking notes of what you are reading will help your mind stay active and help with not zoning out as you read.
3. REVIEW – After reading take time to review any notes you took. See if you answered all of your questions. Re-read all the bold and italic print and ask yourself if you can define or tell someone else why those words were bolded/italicized and what they meant.

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