Last saved by: Mark Tomecko
Company: GREEN LOCAL SCHOOLS

Suggestions for Improving Your Textbook Reading and Quiz Performance

1) As you begin to read, start out reading the assigned section somewhat quickly (not fast, but not really slowly) just to get a sense of the material.  When you get to an area that begins to discuss one of the terms or concepts – whether it’s reading comprehension (bold) or vocabulary (not bold) – then you should slow down and begin to read more carefully.

2) When you approach a "main idea, concept, or term" – especially a bold reading-comprehension term – read the whole section around the term (both before it appears and after – this is often several paragraphs) before you take any notes. Some students try to take notes as they read about a term or concept, and then don't really "get it" because they are more focused on taking notes than really understanding what they are reading.

3) Once you've read everything about a particular term or concept, then take good notes on it, whether you do this on separate sheets of paper, on notecards, or online using a site like Quizlet.

4) When you are taking notes on vocabulary, be sure to get a good definition from the text.  Initially, you may want to copy the textbook’s definition verbatim.  However, you should also try to put the term in your own words as well.  This will ensure you understand it and are not just memorizing it.  You should also underline any key parts of the definition.  Most terms or concepts have several key elements that must be included.  Identify these now while taking notes.  This will help you on FRQs and with multiple-choice questions, too. 

5) When you are taking notes on reading comprehension questions and broader concepts, use a bullet-point list of key ideas.  Focus on explaining how or why and not just a description of the concept.  Make note of one or two examples, if available, as well.

6) Make sure you read all around the term.  If you simply go searching for a definition or concept in the text, you may miss some of the important context that the book provides.  Furthermore, you should examine any charts, graphs, tables, cartoons, or “Politically Speaking” boxes on the page.  These can provide information that will help you better understand the readings.

7) After you've finished the entire reading, try to mentally "take a quiz" before you put this away for the night.  In other words, once you've finished the reading, put your book and notes aside, and try to take an ID or reading-comprehension quiz in your head.  If you can't do this soon after reading it, how can you expect to do it the next day?  If you struggle to remember or explain a particular term or concept (or part of one), then go back and re-read the section.

8) If you really don't feel you understand a term or concept, then I recommend you do a quick Google search of the item and see what you can find there.  Even Wikipedia is an acceptable site for this.  Sometimes reading about the term in another source will help it make more sense.  You might also try to add “AP Government” to your Google search to more easily locate sites that will provide the type of information we need in this course.  Keep in mind, I would never penalize you for putting too much information in your ID or RC quiz, so long as you at least have what the textbook offers first. 

9) Finally, some time before class begins – on the way to school or before school starts, at the end of your 2nd period class when it ends a few minutes early, at lunch, etc. – try again to mentally "take a quiz" on each of the terms.  If you can't do it, maybe it's not too late to check your notes again.

If you continue to find yourself struggling with the readings, notes, or quizzes, please make an appointment to see me right away.  I want to help you get better at this, and the sooner the better.