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Learning to read an academic article or book is different than reading a novel from front to back and is a skill to practice. The module linked below provides practical examples of reading academic materials
Reading Journal Articles
To effectively read AND understand a journal article, you will need to read it three times as follows:
1. Skim the source to get an overview of the material and use a strategy like the IMRAD Format to assess the content in the article.
2. Read the article backwards, section by section, beginning with the conclusion. This read is to check and see if the conclusions make sense given the methods and core questions to be addressed, and if the research is supported by the literature review.
3. Read the article one final time from beginning to end and take detailed notes.
Be selective about what your read – there is no need to read all of each and every work your choose. Decide what is essential and leave the rest.
Manage your energy—active reading can be tiring. Give yourself breaks between chapters or articles.
Paul N. Edwards has written a useful guide to active academic reading called “How to Read”.
Taking Notes