To Study or Not to Study?

1. Between the Lines: Writing between the lines doesn’t work well for everyone but if it does its good to write definitions and meanings or words or phrases here. This is good for when you read it the second time.

2. In the Margins: This is good for short notes about a sentence or section. Underline (with a ruler) the sentence you are refencing and write in the margins next to it. Or use [brackets] for longer sections. This is good for short connections, meanings, symbolism, what theme it relates to etc. It should not exceed 2 sentences or your pages will be too messy.

3. On a Separate Sheet. This can be a cue card or sticky notes or a whole other page. This is good for significant quotes that you have a lot to write about. Or a thought inspired by a sentence that you want to nut out. This can be as long as necessary. It’s helpful to add a little symbol like an * to mark which quote you are refencing and then putting the * and the page number on the page you are writing on. Even if its a sticky note… it may fall out and its best to know.

If you are anything like me its a pain to highlight but when you go back you are happy that you did. So i don’t have a super complex system but a few basic highlights can help. I know not everyone does it like this but here are my tips: 

1. Don’t have a colour for “Quotes” because one quote may not fit all themes, also never highlight by charecter

2. Don’t highlight the first time you read the book. The quote will still be there the second 

3. Don’t over-highlight. Just because a statement is profound doesn’t always mean you can use it as evidence. 

4. Don’t highlight really long quotes you can’t remember. Pick out the best bit and if need be edit the quote with a few (bracketed words in place of a sentence) or some...fade off’s... and in’s. Or both (...)

(Text Response)  5. Do a quick internet search on your text and find out the main themes.

6. As there are often a lot of themes... try to mash them into 3-6 main ones. Even ask your teachers. 

7. Assign a colour to each theme and read again. 

(Context Writing)

8. Know your context and ignore things that don’t relate to it. If you are doing encountering conflict don’t start highlighting things about identity and belonging.

9. Know your secondary sources and find common themes (via google if need be) and then assign colours to each and your texts will match!

10. If you don’t like highlighting your books i suggest making pencil notes and using the same system with coloured sticky tabs. Also apply that same system to your notes for that text. I promise it will make it all easier...  especially at exam time.