How to Study

3. Identify the important facts. Remember what you need
to. Identify associations that connect the details you must
recall. 
4. Take notes. Use your own words to write a synopsis of the
main ideas. Use an outline, diagram, or concept tree to show
relationships and patterns. Your notes provide an important
backup to your memory. Writing down key points will further
reinforce your ability to remember. 
Chapter 3 
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How to Read and Remember
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5. Review. Quiz yourself on those things you must remember.
Develop some system by which you review notes at least
three times before you are required to recall. The first review
should be shortly after you’ve read the material, the second a
few days later, and the final one just before you are expected
to recall. This process will help you avoid cram sessions. 
6. Implement. Find opportunities to use the knowledge you
have gained. Study groups and class discussions are invaluable
opportunities to implement what you’ve learned. 
Build Your Own Library
“The reading of all good books is like conversation 
with the finest men of past centuries.”
—Rene Descartes
If you are ever to become an active, avid reader, access to books will
do much to cultivate the habit. I suggest you “build” your own library.
Your selections can and should reflect your own tastes and interests,
but try to make them wide and varied. Include some of the classics,
contemporary fiction, poetry, and biography.
Save your high school and college texts—you’ll be amazed at how
some of the material retains its relevance. And try to read a good
newspaper every day to keep current and informed.
Your local librarian can refer you to any number of lists of the “great
books,” most of which are available in inexpensive paperback editions.
You may want to put some of these on your to-buy list, especially if
you’re planning a summer reading program. In Improve Your Reading,
I have included my own lists of “great” authors and books. You may
want to consult them as well.
How to Study
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Reading the classics—ancient and contemporary—will probably make
you a better reader; it will certainly make you more well-read. That
is the extra bonus for establishing such a reading program—an appre-
ciation of certain authors, certain books, and certain cultural events
is what separates the cultured from the merely educated and the
undereducated.
Read On
Insofar as one can in a single chapter, I’ve tried to sum up the 
essentials of reading. It is not a finite science, but rather a skill and
appreciation that one can develop over time. Good grade school train-
ing is essential. And for those of you who have been able to identify
problem areas, there are always remedial classes.
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How to Read and Remember
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“Those who make the worst use of their time 
are the first to complain of its brevity.”
—Jean de la Bruyere
W
e all have problems with time. We can’t control it—
we can’t slow it down or speed it up. We can’t save it
up—all we can do is decide how we’re going to spend it.
We invariably need more of it…and don’t know where to find it. Then
we wonder where the heck it all went.
I’m sure many of you reading this are struggling with sometimes 
overwhelming responsibilities and commitments. Some of you may
be so burned out that you’ve just given up. Those of you who aren’t
probably figure it’s your fault—if you just worked harder, spent more
time on your papers and assignments, wired yourself online 24/7—
then everything would work out just fine.
Chapter 4
How to Organize 
Your TIme
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So you resign yourselves to caffeine-fueled all-nighters, cramming 
for tests, and forgetting about time-consuming activities like eating
and sleeping. Trying to do everything—even when there’s too much
to do—without acquiring the skills to control your time, is an approach
that will surely lead to frustration and failure.
Whether you’re a book author typing as fast as you can to meet a
publisher’s deadline; a student juggling five classes and a part-time
job; or a parent working, attending classes, and raising a family; a
simple, easy-to-follow time-management system is crucial to your
success. And despite your natural inclination to proclaim that you just
don’t have the time to spend scheduling, listing, and recording, it’s
actually the best way to give yourself more time.