Summarize the following:
Look for text written in bold or italics, or off-set in a chart or graph. Also look for sections at the end of each chapter that condenses the key concepts from that unit. Information presented in any of these ways tends to be of the highest importance when teachers prepare a test on that chapter or section. If you're studying a creative work, such as a play or novel, look for patterns and themes. Motifs (elements that carry additional meaning, such as darkness, blood, gold) may repeat across the text, suggesting that they're important to pay attention to. "Big ideas" are also good to focus on. If your teacher permits it, you can use a study guide such as Cliffs Notes or Shmoop to help you understand the plot, so that you can focus on more important themes and patterns. Don't rely on these guides to tell you everything you need to know! Use them only as supplements to other study and reading techniques. Now that you've skimmed the chapter and made note of the key concepts, read the whole section at least once, paying attention to details and taking notes along the way. This will allow you to understand the material and contextualize that chapter within the larger unit. Active reading, which involves asking questions of the reading and taking notes, is proven to be more effective and efficient than passively reading through just to finish the chapter. Draw a bracket around key concepts in the chapter, and circle any terms or names you're not familiar with. Write questions in the margins as you read, then find the answers to those questions. This will help you make better sense of the material and will help you remember those concepts more concretely. Remember that restating can also condense and focus. As you restate, make sure you pay attention to what seems most important. For example, consider this passage: "Students frequently overuse direct quotation in taking notes, and as a result they overuse quotations in the final [research] paper. Probably only about 10% of your final manuscript should appear as directly quoted matter. Therefore, you should strive to limit the amount of exact transcribing of source materials while taking notes." Lester, James D. Writing Research Papers. 2nd ed. (1976): 46-47. A restatement of the key concept could look like this: "Take fewer direct quotations in notes bc too many could cause over-quotation in final paper. 10% max quotes in final." As you can see, this has captured the most important information from the passage, but it's in your own words, and it's much shorter -- meaning it will be easier to remember later. Go over your notes and any flashcards you've made. Quiz yourself once you've read through all of your notes several times through. You should be able to recall most of the key concepts, names, and dates. Repeat this review process as often as necessary to keep the information in your mind as you prepare for upcoming quizzes and tests. Studies have found that the most efficient way to study is in short bursts, typically in 1-3 hour increments. Give yourself several days, each with several sessions, to prepare. Research suggests that studying related but varied material in one sitting is more efficient and effective than studying just one subject material in a given session. You can also try to relate material you're learning to stuff you already know. You can even create connections between new material and pop culture. You're more likely to remember new material if it's linked to things you're already familiar with.
Skim each chapter before reading. Read the chapter closely and take notes. Be an active reader. Restate key concepts in your own words. Review everything you've read as soon as you finish the chapter. Don't try to do it all at once. Change up your subjects.