Prepare a word list. As you read, write down words you don't understand on individual index cards. Look up their definitions in the dictionary and write these on the backs of the cards. Review the flash cards until you learn the new vocabulary.
Analyze the grammatical structure of sentences. If you understand all of the words in a sentence, but the sentence doesn't make sense to you, the problem may be grammatical comprehension. Separate the sentence into clauses and find the main verb of the main clause. Then work out how the other parts of the sentence relate to the main action.
Use verb tenses and chronological words such as "before" or "after" to work out the time sequence of passage. Draw a time line for extra clarity.
Outline the work as you read. Once you have found the main idea of the work, include in your outline how each paragraph relates to the main idea.
Survey longer works by looking at introductions, contents and overviews to create a high-level outline before reading in detail.
Highlight important passages and note in pencil in the margins what is important about the passages.