So you’ve started your reading journey — maybe you’ve already explored our first Reading Tips guide. Now it’s time to level up. Welcome to Reading Tips guide 2: a supportive, practical companion for anyone who wants to read not just more, but better. Whether you’re preparing for exams, diving into nonfiction, or simply rekindling your love of books, these strategies are designed to fit real life — no perfection required. Let’s grow your confidence, one page at a time.
1. Preview with Purpose
Before you dive into a chapter or article, spend 60 seconds scanning the title, headings, subheadings, bolded terms, images, and summary (if available). Ask yourself: What do I already know? What do I hope to learn? This simple preview activates your prior knowledge and sets mental ‘hooks’ for new information. Research shows that purposeful previewing boosts comprehension by up to 30% — and it takes less time than scrolling through three social media posts!
2. Chunk & Check, Not Just Plow Through
Long stretches of uninterrupted reading often lead to zoning out — especially with dense material. Try the chunk-and-check method: read a short section (e.g., one paragraph or a key idea), then pause and ask, “Can I explain this in my own words?” Jot down a quick phrase or sketch a tiny idea map. If you can’t summarize it, reread — not the whole page, just the tricky sentence. This builds active engagement, not passive consumption.
3. Annotate with Kindness — Not Perfection
Forget red pens and perfect margins. Annotation is about conversation with the text — not criticism. Use gentle, personal marks: a star for insight, a question mark for confusion, an arrow linking two ideas, or even a sticky note with a thought like, “This reminds me of…” Your notes don’t need to be shared — they’re for you. Over time, this habit trains your brain to think critically and remember more deeply. And yes — digital readers, highlighters and comment tools count too!
4. Pause, Reflect, Connect
Great reading isn’t finished when the last word is read — it deepens after. At the end of each session, take 2 minutes to reflect: What surprised me? How does this connect to something I care about — my goals, values, or experiences? Writing one sentence (or speaking it aloud) bridges new knowledge to your inner world. That connection is where true understanding — and leadership — begins.
You don’t need to master all four tips at once. Pick one that feels most doable this week. Try it with your next textbook chapter, news article, or novel. Notice what shifts — even slightly. Then build from there. Remember: every thoughtful pause, every curious question, every handwritten note is a quiet act of leadership. You’re not just reading words — you’re shaping your mind, your voice, and your future. Ready to begin? Grab a book, open a page, and start small. Because at LevinBook, we know: Read to Lead.