Engaged Reading: Why Do It?

1. Helps you understand what you’re reading
2. Keeps track of your own thoughts, questions and reactions as you read
3. Helps you summarize a text so that you can then form a conversation with it
4. Prepares you for discussion or writing prompts
5. Highlights key points for use in research papers or other scholarly communication

Approaching A Scholarly Article

Not every strategy works for every person, and everyone has to experiment with and develop their own ways of engaging with text. I offer this systematic approach to you as a suggestion and invitation for exploration.

How to Fearlessly Approach and Annotate A Scholarly Article 

1. Set up

Figure out what context best supports your reading. Do you read best in a loud coffee shop or do you require absolute silence? Do you like to read in bed? At a desk? In a favourite comfy chair? Have you discovered some binaural soundscapes or classical music that helps you concentrate? Is there a ritual that helps you get started, like making a pot of tea and wrapping yourself in a specific blanket? Do you prefer to annotate and highlight digitally or print out the paper and use your new rainbow highlighter set? Experiment with what works for you and set yourself up for success.

2. Survey

What information can you get from the title of the article? Is it published in a credible source? When was it written? Is it relevant to your research question?

3. Read the Abstract

An Abstract is a summary of the paper. It’s short! It also contains the main conclusions and findings of the paper. Highlight key words/phrases and circle words you don’t understand (then look them up!). Write down any questions or thoughts that come to you as you read in the margin or on a separate piece of paper or document.

4. Skim the Introduction section

Highlight the Knowledge Gap, the purpose and main argument/hypothesis.

5. Skip to the End

Check out the Discussion/Conclusion section. These will be short, concise and help you understand the main contributions of the article. This section also usually includes directions for future research and limitations of the study. Write down any questions or comments that come to you as you read.

The IMRAD structure is a widely accepted and extensively used format for communicating scientific research. Although not included in the acronym, scientific papers often include a conclusion as part of the discussion.