Underlining and Highlighting Effectively

Many students have never correctly learned how to underline and highlight a textbook. Many do underlining and highlight, but the process is usually feast or famine. Some underline and highlight almost every word; others, only a few words that don't really help them. Because of the large amount of reading a college student is expected to do, it is important that he learn the skill of underlining.

The following suggestions should be helpful to a student interested in learning to underline.

Underlining and Highlighting

1. Never underline or highlight until you have read the entire paragraph. After reading the paragraph, decide which is the main idea and what the supporting details are.

2. Selecting your own words to underline or highlight. It is not necessary to underline or highlight each word in the sentence. Just the core parts will be sufficient to get the full meaning.

3. Use a variety of marks. You may want to underline the main idea phrases, circle important names, or find your own system. Once you have decided on your own system, it is important to remain consistent.

4. Write summaries in the margin using you own words. These wordings can be helpful when reviewing, as they direct you immediately to the main ideas of the pate.

5. Review markings. After finishing your assignment and before you close your book, review the markings you have made. This will also serve as a quick review and give you a chance to take brief notes if you wish.