1. Use pen or pencil. A pen or pencil allows for a greater variety of markings and is especially useful for writing questions or key words in the margin. Use a highlighter sparingly for key words or ideas.

2. Read the material before you begin to mark. Reading will give you a better sense of the overall emphasis of the author and what is important.

3. Use a variety of symbols to help emphasize important materials:

         Box key ideas
         Underline supporting material
         Star known test items or very important information
         Enumerate lists
         Bracket material if more than two lines need to be emphasized

4. Play "Jeopardy" with your text. Consider the paragraph or section in your text to be the "answer."  You job is to determine what "question" would elicit that answer.  Write the question in the margin.  Then mark only the key words or phrases in that material that directly answers the question.  When studying, read the questions without looking at the text.  Answer the question and then check the text markings to verify and refine you answer.

5. Write references in the margin such as 
            def. = definition
            ex. = example