[MUSIC PLAYING] - "Preview, read, recall" is an easy way to think about the three main components of active reading. Before you start reading, spend 5 to 10 minutes briefly skimming over the text, chapter, or unit to get a general sense of what it's about. Consider things like headings, subtitles, figures, charts, tables. Develop a few key questions that you think this text will answer. 

When you get to reading the text itself, don't try to tackle the whole reading at once. Divide it into realistic, manageable parts, and take short breaks in between each section. After each section, do something with the information you've just read. Make an annotation, underline a quote, or write down the main point in your own words. Recalling is one of the most essential steps in active reading. 

To enter information into your long-term memory, your brain needs to work at recalling that information right away. So here are some things that you can do. 

Write down exam questions, and try to answer them by yourself. Explain or teach the concept to your friend or roommate. Write down the short summary of what you read in your own words. Transform your reading notes into a diagram or an outline or any other visual aid.