A textbook is a general overview of the course material organized chronologically and topically. Most textbooks include visual materials (maps, charts, drawings, photographs) as well as exercises at the end of each chapter. Visual activities and additional sources of information are often contained on CD-ROM discs and on the Web linked to the course home page. Pay attention to your instructor's explanation of how these materials are integrated into the course.

Before you read,

• Look at the book's table of contents, and skim through the chapters to see how the book is organized.
• Read the text as it is assigned. Lectures and class discussions may not be clear if you have not read the text in advance. It is never a good idea to wait until just before an exam to complete your reading assignments.

As you read,

• Reread any difficult material.
• Underline or highlight what you believe to be the most important facts.
• Underline or highlight what you believe to be the most important interpretations and conclusions. Ask yourself: what is the main point that the author is making in each section of the chapter?
• Reread the underlined material before an exam or a class presentation.

For other kinds of reading assignments, click on Reading a Monograph, Reading an Anthology, Reading a Historical Novel, and Interpreting Primary Sources.