How to Study

How to Keep Score

In the next few pages, I’ll explain the 11 primary study skills covered
in this book: reading and comprehension, memory development, time
management, library skills, computer skills, textbook note taking,
classroom note taking, library note taking, classroom participation,
writing papers, and test preparation. Then I’ll ask you to rate your-
self on your current level of achievement and understanding of each:
“A” (excellent) for mastery or near mastery of a particular skill; “B”
(good) for some mastery; “C” (fair to poor) for little or no mastery.

But let’s do a “down-and-dirty” test first, just to give you a taste of
what’s to come. Read the following 28 statements and consider which
apply to you. If a statement does apply, mark “Y” (for yes). If not,
mark “N” (for no):

1. ❑ Y ❏ N I wish I could read faster.


2. ❑ Y ❏ N I go to class, but I don’t pay a lot of attention.


3. ❑ Y ❏ N I rarely review for tests, but I do spend hours
   cramming the night before.


4. ❑ Y ❏ N I think I spend more time studying than I need to.


5. ❑ Y ❏ N I usually study with the radio and/or TV on.


6. ❑ Y ❏ N I rarely finish all my homework on time.


7. ❑ Y ❏ N I usually write assigned papers the week
   (or the night) before they’re due.


8. ❑ Y ❏ N I read every book at the same speed and in the
   same way.


9. ❑ Y ❏ N I’m an IM whiz but I can never seem to find
   the information I need on the Internet.


10. ❑ Y ❏ N I’m overwhelmed with too much homework.
    11.❑ Y ❏ N I can never complete my reading assignments
    on time.


11. ❑ Y ❏ N I always seem to write down the wrong stuff
    in class.

2 How to Study