Where do I start before I start reading?

Of course, it depends on what course and at which level you are studying, but you will find your answer in scholarly references:

  • Lecturer’s recommended reading list
  • Also found in Library Reserve
  • Unit text book chapter on research topic
  • Reference list of text book chapter or article onrelated topic
  • Academic data bases in your Library academic databases
  • Hint: for best articles tick
  • Ask your librarian

The Learning Centre

P: +61 8 9266 7166

Website:

How do I start?8 Top Tips!

  1. Find a peaceful place – in your mind – so you can focus
  2. Allocate a period of time – 45 minutes, 1, 2 or 3 hours
  3. Always read with the assignment question in mind
  4. Reread the unit outline to connect key ideas
  5. Keep notes organised
  6. Accurately record title, author(s), and publication date and place – Endnote is useful for this – find it on Library homepage
  7. Start to formulate a thesis statement after reading the recommended text book chapter or no more than 3 articles
  8. Start writing! Writing notes and body paragraphs after reading no more than 3 articles is the greatest time saver by making your research, your reading and your writing more focused.

Keep accurate records

Author’s name / Date of
publication / Title of article/chapter
Editor’s name / Title of Book or Journal
Publisher / Place of publication
Volume number / Pages / Edition / Library /Call number / Reference no.
URL
Date accessed

See Endnote:

Where do I start when I am reading a chapter or article?

What do I read? / How do I read it? / What do I do?
  1. Title
Publication details
Abstract / Skim / Reread the assignment. Determine the relevance of the text
  1. Look at the ‘pictures’ in the text – diagrams, graphs, etc.
The thesis statement – last sentence of the introduction
Introduction
Conclusion
Sub-headings / Scan / Start to make some notes of key words, author’s argument – main idea and stance on the topic
  1. Read the entire text
/ Read for detail / Make notes
  1. Read your notes
/ Read for ideas to support your assignment thesis / Reread the assignment. Start to formulate your thesis statement
  1. Read another chapter or article
Follow Steps 1, 2, 3 above
Continue this cycle for each text you read / Read to find similarities and differences between the texts read so far / Start to paraphrase and synthesise the ideas into your notes.
Start to write some body paragraphs with evidence from your reading to support your thesis statement

How do I make useful notes? Try the Cornell Method – it works!

What do I note?Remember always read with a purpose – assignment question or thesis or studying for a test/exam

Key Words
Description of topic
Argument(s)
Quotes
(page nos/idea)
Methods used
Perspective
presented
Links with other readings
•similarities
•differences
Strengths and weaknesses of
argument(s), justify

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