When you see words such as “likewise,” “in addition,” “moreover,”
“furthermore,” and the like, you should know that nothing new is
being introduced. If you already know what’s going on, speed up or
skip what’s coming entirely.
On the other hand, when you see words like “on the other hand,”
“nevertheless,” “however,” “rather,” “but,” and their ilk, slow down—
you’re getting information that adds a new perspective or contradicts
what you’ve just read.
Lastly, watch out for “payoff ” words such as “to summarize,” “in
conclusion,” “therefore,” “consequently,” “thus”—especially if
you only have time to “hit the high points” of a chapter or you’re
reviewing for a test. Here’s where everything that went before is
happily tied up in a nice bow and ribbon, a present that enables
you to avoid having to unwrap the entire chapter.
Now Go Back for Detail
If a more thorough reading is required, turn back to the beginning.
Read one section (chapter, unit, whatever) at a time.
As you read, make sure you know what’s going on by asking yourself
if the passage is written to address one of these five questions:
- Who? The paragraph focuses on a particular person or group
of people. The topic sentence tells you whothis is. - When? The paragraph is primarily concerned with time. The
topic sentence may even begin with the word “when.” - Where? The paragraph is oriented around a particular place
or location. The topic sentence states where you are reading
about.
Chapter 3 ■How to Read and Remember 53