The harder the ascent, the higher the reward. If the problem is the length of the material, you might want to read the article on that (general rule: set reading tasks for each session). This article is about digesting difficult reading material, not about a time constraint.
1Read the title and think about what it means and which resources might help you (for example Italian dictionary or atlas).
2Underline words you don't know. It is essential to be honest with yourself (after all no one is looking!). If you cannot use a word in a sentence you don't understand what it means. Imagine yourself in a real-world situation, using the word to describe something to a stranger.
3Write very short summaries for chunks of the text that seem appropriate. The frequency of these summaries will depend on the material itself and your ability to read it. If it's a rather daunting book, then write a summary for every paragraph or half a paragraph.
4Visualize the ideas with simple flow diagrams. For example, you may create a flow diagram that indicates the plot, or the relationships between characters.
5Explain the new idea to a person and try to get the person excited about it. (If you have no one, imagine telling it to a number of persons like A. the bus driver B. a drunk girl C. Barack Obama D. a 5 year old child).
6Use any background information you may have on the topic. Connection will help you become more knowledgeable about certain topics, leaving you able to learn even more.
7Explain the thought-train to yourself in front of a mirror.
8Make sure to notice uncertainties and read these passages again.
9Make sure to re-read the whole text when you have proceeded through all the chunks: Finally understanding it and seeing the whole picture will be an incredible reward.
- Motivation: Think about how understanding the ideas in this text will enhance you. This can be a simple thing like passing a test.
- Make sure you are not distracted, especially: Do not read anything else when you "get stuck" but isolate the problematic word or phrase.
- If you absolutely cannot get over a difficult phrase post it in a forum on the internet or as an expert.
- Go for small steps, pause and acknowledge that you made a bit of the way.
- Maybe it will allow you to improve your life or you will be able to be more self-reliant.
- Be sure not to just read over phrases you don't really understand, you will lose the tracks the author has prepared to lead your train of thought.
Things You'll Need
- Silent environment
- Paper to write down summaries of chunks
- Highlighter to highlight unknown words