1. Study each word carefully. Look up all words you don't know.
2. Consider your thoughts and responses as you read. Did you laugh, smile, worry, get scared, feel a thrill, learn a great deal, feel proud, find a lot to think about? Try to describe how the various parts of the work caused your reactions.
3. Make notes on interesting characterizations, events, techniques, and ideas. If you like a character, try to describe what you like. If you dislike an idea, try to describe what you dislike.
4. Try to see patterns developing. Make an outline or scheme for the story or main idea. What are the conflicts in the story? How are these resolved? Is one force, idea, or side the winner? Why? How do you respond to the winner, or the loser?
5. Is there anything you do not understand? Make a note of the difficulty and ask your instructor about it in class.
6. For further study, underline what seem to be key passages. Write some of these on cards, and carry the cards with you. When you are riding or walking to class, or at other times, try to memorize phrases, sentences, or lines of poetry.
