I need to read like a half a chapter a day of 2 textbooks for class, how do I do that?

[JoshRaed]

Like I get distracted way too easily to keep up with this, and i’ve been spending way too long on the first quarter of it.

[AnonymousHouseCat]

1. read 1st and last paragraph of each section you need to read

2. read headings if they’re there

3. go back and read just the 1st sentence of each paragraph

4. skim the rest if you have time, find just 1-2 interesting sections to discuss in class even if you can’t read the whole thing

If attention is the issue, I had a friend who suggested just reading 20 min at a time and taking breaks in between. For me, I suspect I could never keep up with readings due to undiagnosed adhd either that or reading too closely due to fear that I wouldn’t remember anything I read. If the textbooks have audio versions that could be helpful too.

[JoshRaed]

It’s not for class discussion, each chapter has a test I have to do and then there’s a test on all 3 of them.

[AnonymousHouseCat]

ooohh got it. The first three steps should still help to find main ideas though if you are pressed for time. Unless its the kind of test where they ask super specific stuff (like names and dates) or its multiple choice?

[JoshRaed]

The test is Multiple choice.

[AnonymousHouseCat]

oh ok, sorry, I was thinking more in terms of preparing for class discussion or essay-based tests/assignments. I’m not sure for multiple choice.

[JoshRaed]

How do I stop myself from being distracted? I tried setting up a pomodoro but I can’t stay consistently focused for that long.

[VibrantFox]

note taking for main points might help

i used to struggle with memorizing full chapters but when i tok notes of main points for a chapter that usually helped

ideally the chapters of your textbook are organized by sections each with titles and often times bolded or italicized vocabulary words or key items within the chapter. making notes of those things (and sometimes of the examples in the book) can help

as for how to apply that to multiple choice: if things from the test look similar to things you've seen in the book then you've got a better chance of making more informed choices/guesses even if you don't fully remember every detail

as for distractions i think this threads tips could prove useful for finding ways to say focused

I've been having a massive issue with procrastination. Between avoiding homework and avoiding drawing, I have managed to successfully complete absolutely nothing. I have adhd, and sitting down to finish stuff before a hard deadline is really difficult for me. Is there any techniques to help deal with procrastination? I'm really tired of not getting anything done

some other things that may help is having dedicated time for pure study with timed intervals for breaks whenever you feel like you can't hold focus as well as creating space that leaves out potential distractions or includes things to keep you in the zone like some kind of music or ambience

obviously advice isn't always one size fits all but hopefully it'll help

[theyrebothakilogram]

I saw on tiktok a trick where they took a digital textbook you can copied it into a text reader that reads it out loud, and then put some stimulation video next to it, like a play through or those "satisfying" videos, and they said it helped a lot, but idk

[thecrystalrook]

Hold up, the test is multiple choice? You already have a 1/4 chance of being correct on every question without knowing ANYTHING about the books. @AnonymousHouseCat's advice is even more solid now.

[Kaisei]

I get easily distracted too. While you are reading, try to jot down the important points. Use post-it notes if it helps. Or even highlighter if this is a digital book or your own personal copy. Basically, find a way to pinpoint what's important in the paragraph. Writing notes may be best though because the physical act of writing helps you remember.

Try to eliminate the things that are distracting you. Put your phone in another room or turn it off. If you are using the computer, disconnect it from the internet. Etc.

[JoshRaed]

Will it help to read it all aloud, or imagine it being read? I feel like it might help.

[KUUPID]

Just going to put my two cents here!

I'm a law student so I have a TON of reading on a weekly (more like daily) basis. I found that the best way for me to stay focused is to first skim the reading and take in the heading/ major points the author is trying to convey. Stop, take a short break of 5-10 minutes, then start jotting down what I just read. If there's something I find that I don't understand, I go back and re-read those portions of the text.

It really helps to read in small increments because you won't be as overwhelmed when trying to read a huge chunk.

Also, if you think reading out loud might help, go for it! It never hurts to try!

This is all trial and error, and I don't know when you have your MC exam, but you got this!

[Kaisei]

Possibly. Give it a go and see if it works for you. We all have slightly different learning styles, so there's some trial and error involved. I sometimes find that reading aloud keeps me from literally wandering away from a book.

[JoshRaed]

How much do I skim. All of it?

[KUUPID]

@theurge69420 I'm assuming the exam will be on the chapters you're assigned to read, right? If you know that all the chapters will be on the exam, then short answer is yes

There's really no way around it unless there's a study aid of summaries of the chapters and you're willing to spend the money to take the shortcut.

I know reading seems tedious and it's hard to stay focused, but if you really want that A, you need to put in the effort as well. It's okay if you can't focus and get distracted. As long as you put in the work and understand the material, you'll be fine!

[system]

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