Strong reading skills are essential for any form of academic success, as they enable you to efficiently absorb, analyse and critically engage with academic texts. If reading is not a confident area for you, fear not, as there is plenty you can do to improve… at any age.
Establish A Goal
Before diving into a text, ask yourself: what am I trying to learn? Do I need a broad understanding or specific details? And how will I use this information (e.g. for an essay, discussion, or exam)? This helps you focus only on the parts of the text you really need to learn.
Familiarise Yourself
Get an overview of the text before reading in detail by scanning (look at headings, subheadings, introductions, and conclusions), skimming (read the first and last sentences of paragraphs to identify key ideas) and absorbing the visuals (pay attention to graphs, charts, or highlighted terms).
Annotate, Summarise And Hypothesise
Underline or highlight key points, terms and arguments, and write notes or questions in the margins to help you reference. Paraphrase sections to ensure understanding and create brief summaries at the end of chapters or articles and ask questions such as: What is the author’s main argument or thesis? What evidence supports their claim? Do I agree with their perspective?
Use Techniques That Help You
If you struggle to focus, break reading into manageable sections rather than trying to complete large chunks at once and use a timer (e.g. 25-minute intervals with 5-minute breaks).
If you have dyslexia, use a coloured overlay for papers/textbooks, or utilise software that can read the material to you or has digital tools to help you read (different background/font size or line-spacing etc.).
Think Critically
University texts often require more than just comprehension – they demand evaluation and critique. Identify the author’s assumptions and biases, compare the text with other readings on the same topic, and question whether the arguments are supported by strong evidence. These are tools which are essential for university and beyond.
Take Notes (The Smart Way)
Mind maps are an excellent way to help you remember material, by creating diagrams to connect ideas visually. Flashcards are useful for key terms or concepts, especially in dense subjects and the Cornell Method, where you divide your notes into key points, details, and a summary, will help you absorb broad concepts.
Build Your Vocabulary with Reading Skills
Finally, academic texts often include specialised terms, so keep a vocabulary journal of unfamiliar words and use context clues or look up definitions to deepen understanding. Soon, you’ll be impressing peers with your highfalutin language prowess.
