Reading complex material
Some information, particularly that which includes difficult abstract concepts or technical terms, cannot be easily understood on first reading. These strategies often help.
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Read the information several times at least. This may best be done over a day or two, leaving gaps of time between each reading. This clears the head and allows for unconscious processing of the material.
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Read with a dictionary at your side. If there are unfamiliar specialist terms, look in a glossary. Check the reference section of Dixson Library for specialist dictionaries and encyclopaedias that will give clear explanations.
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Put the information into your own words, or try to reshape it into a diagram or concept map.
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Consult other books on the same topic. Reading another book can give you a more accessible explanation, or a slightly different but enlightening perspective.
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Remember that reading at this level requires practice. The more you do, the easier it becomes.
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Keep in mind that sometimes academic texts are not well-written, and thus it is not your fault if you do not understand them. The frustration you feel in these circumstances is similar to that of essay markers when ideas are not clearly expressed.
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Be a critical reader.
