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How
to Read a Book in About an Hour
(Loosely
adapted from How to Read A Book by Mortimer Adler and Charles Van
Doren, 1967)
It
is important to keep in mind that scanning, skimming, or reading only
the most essential parts of a book are not cheating. It only feels
that way! These practices are actually part of a balanced study strategy
that can enhance your ability to learn quickly and absorb information
efficiently. There are four basic questions that active readers ask:
1.
What is the book about as a whole?
Discover the leading theme of the book, and how
the author develops this theme in an orderly way by subdividing it
into its essential subordinate themes or topics. Read the Preface
or Introduction. Then scan the Table of Contents to understand the
author's logic and organizational framework.
2.
What is being said in detail, and how?
Discover the main ideas, assertions, and arguments
that constitute the author's particular message. Read the first and/or
the last chapters of the book. List the author's main points and conclusions.
(No, really...make a list). For each one of the main points list key
words that relate to these points. Return to the Table of Contents
or the Index at the back of the book and use your main points and
key words to find out where the author discusses his or her central
points in detail. Read these sections and take notes.
3.
Is the book true, in whole or part?
You cannot answer this question until you have
answered the first two. You have to understand what is being said
before you can decide whether it is true or not. Once you understand
a book; however, you are obligated, if you are reading seriously,
to make up your own mind. Knowing the author's mind is not enough.
Review your list of the author's main points. How would you argue
for or against them? How convincing are the author's arguments?
4.
So what?
What is the significance of the information presented?
Why does the author think it is important to know these things? Is
it important for you to know them? Answer the "so what" question for
yourself...what is the real significance of what you have just read?
Did the author simply supply information or were you also enlightened?
Is anything further implied? Action? Further reading? If
there is a list of references or a bibliography look at it to identify
books and articles to for further exploration of topics which seems
especially interesting or important to you.
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