Preview the chapter before reading it. Pay attention to subheadings and turn them into questions so you can focus on finding the answers as you read. Skim the chapter to get a general idea of the content.
Read the chapter. Think about what you have read. Find one or two sentence that seem to convey the main points in each section. Put the essential material into your own words.
Reread each section and highight the words that best answer the question you have created. Use a separate piece of paper to write the question and the answer you have rephrased.
Examine charts and illustrations. They can provide a visual picture of the material presented and make it easier to remember. Sometimes they can clarify a point.
Complete study questions. Sometimes textbooks have questions that ask you to use relevant information. Completing the questions will reinforce the main points you have read.