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YourHumbleNarrator · 08-20-2009, 10:09 PM

Sometimes it can be difficult to focus on what you're reading at a given moment, and sometimes it feels like it's impossible to grasp what's being said. That's when it's helpful to take out a notebook or open up notepad and copy, verbatim, whatever you're reading at the time. (And if you're reading a webpage, don't copy+paste. Type it out manually.)

You don't have to copy the whole thing. In fact, since the goal is comprehension, it's better if you go through it and only write down the quotes that jump out at you. If nothing does, reason through it and cherry pick whatever's necessary to convey the main point of the chapter or article without any superfluous information.

This will force you to process the information and even if you don't fully comprehend it you will internalize it to a larger degree than you normally would. This will enable your subconscious to mull it over and it'll be easier to get answers later.

I've found this extremely helpful when dealing with more challenging material, especially when it's of a spiritual nature.

08-20-2009, 10:09 PM	#1 (permalink)
YourHumbleNarrator Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 491	Short Tip: Comprehending What You Read Sometimes it can be difficult to focus on what you're reading at a given moment, and sometimes it feels like it's impossible to grasp what's being said. That's when it's helpful to take out a notebook or open up notepad and copy, verbatim, whatever you're reading at the time. (And if you're reading a webpage, don't copy+paste. Type it out manually.) You don't have to copy the whole thing. In fact, since the goal is comprehension, it's better if you go through it and only write down the quotes that jump out at you. If nothing does, reason through it and cherry pick whatever's necessary to convey the main point of the chapter or article without any superfluous information. This will force you to process the information and even if you don't fully comprehend it you will internalize it to a larger degree than you normally would. This will enable your subconscious to mull it over and it'll be easier to get answers later. I've found this extremely helpful when dealing with more challenging material, especially when it's of a spiritual nature.