COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL
How to outline a textbook chapter (yes, it’s just this simple…)
READ ASSEMBLE SEARCH & RECOVER
The Read-Assemble-Search & Recover approach to chapter outlining is simple, effective, and easy to learn. It works for e-textbooks too.
Step 1: Read! Sorry, but outlining is no substitute for reading. Outlining is actually a post-reading (after reading) strategy because it requires familiarity with the text. First read the chapter using active reading SQ3R strategies. Then return to the chapter to outline the information. Step 2: Assemble the Framework When you finish reading the chapter, turn back to its beginning. Turn the pages and survey chapter headings and subheadings . These are the framework for building your outline. Textbook authors organize information under chapter headings and subheadings because they want you to think about the information in that order. Assemble the framework for your outline by copying the headings and subheadings. (Formatting is discussed below.) PRODUCT PREVIEW Step 3: Search & Recover When the framework of headings and subheadings is in place, you’re good to go! Your mission? Return to the text to search the sections and recover key points. A section can have one or several key points. Pick out information that is important to the main concepts, such as information that was identified in the summary, bulleted or bolded words, or graphics. Number the key points and restate them in short phrases or brief sentences. Use abbreviations. Note important details or vocabulary relating to the key points. How do you format a chapter outline? RCNi! Students are often confused about formatting an outline, but it’s actually very easy. Just remember RCNi . ( R oman numeral, C apital letter, N umber, and lower case r oman.) The simple RCNi format indents at each step:
THE 21st CENTURY STUDENT’S GUIDE TO STUDY SKILLS 147
Made with FlippingBook Digital Publishing Software