Definitely copy: Anything written on the board or presented on an overhead. Any info that is repeated or emphasized. Ways to emphasize include: tone or gesture, repetition, illustration on board, reference to text, and use of cue words such as: finally, remember, most important, another cause, etc. All numbered or listed items. All terms and definitions. Examples New words and ideas.

1.P = Preview Begin your reading task with a quick skim (2-3 minutes) of the text, trying to get an overview of the chapter or text. Look for section headings, illustrative charts and diagrams, signposts or key words. Don't start highlighting text at this point.

2. Q = Question This is the key to active learning. Look for answers to the basic questions of Who? What? Where? Why? When? Identify the main theme or learning point of the particular text.

3. R = Read Now read the chapter carefully, with these questions in mind. Your mind will be actively looking for answers as you read. Work with a pen and paper, make brief summary notes, look for 'topic sentences' that summarise the most important point in a paragraph or section and highlight them, if necessary. Vary your reading speed – move quickly over lighter, less important material and slow down when you come to a difficult section.

4. R = Review Always check your understanding of the material by reviewing and testing your recall before putting the text away. Look at the notes you have taken and check that they answer your initial questions. Summarise your findings from this study session.

Title/TopicSub. Take down the notes from each class here… Main Points Summary….

Top ic Point 1 Point 4 Point 3 Point 2

Index cards are cheap and easy to use for revision coming up to exams – they can be kept in a box with subject tabs.

SubjectTopic Card no. 1.Chapter Main Point 2.Chapter Main Point 3.Chapter Main Point 4.Chapter Main Point 5.Chapter Main Point Each Subject gets its own Overview card which outlines the main chapters to be studied.

SubjectTopic Card no. 1.Chapter Main Point A. Introduction/Background B. Themes/Ideas C. Explanations D. Quotations/Examples Then break each chapter down into relevant sections. Tick off the sections as you study them.

SubjectTopic Card no. 1.Chapter Main Point 2.Chapter Main Point 3.Chapter Main Point 4.Chapter Main Point 5.Chapter Main Point Tick off the Chapters as you study them. Keeping your notes together this way ensure all work is completed!