Make your reading more productive.While reading, briefly write down the main points: What is the author trying to say? Do you have any reaction? Even if you are short on time these notes will be helpful later, so you don't have to try to reread the article.

So far, we have been talking about evaluating the "container" the content comes in. Now let's look at ways to evaluate and break down the content itself. Sometimes reading scholarly writing can be difficult. There are some strategies that will help you get the most out of the content.

1. Read the title of the piece before you read the whole thing.

2. Form the title into a question that will help you understand the meaning of the article or chapter.