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Study Skills: Faster Using The Book’s Content Page

August 2, 2009

Do you know how to use a text’s contents page to increase your understanding of text? A publisher typically demands an excellent contents page from an author before deciding whether or not to publish their book. The publisher understands that the contents page is the book’s outline, and it describes how the book is put together.

For a reader, the contents page contains several invaluable pieces of information that can help you dramatically increase your comprehension. Take a minute to quickly skim this brief sample content’s page:

Part One: Freedom in the New World

The People of the New Land………………………………10

The Legacy of the Colonial Period………………………………………………………….…..15

The Seeds of Revolution………………… ………………..25

Already you have powerful information to put to use. First, what is the topic of this text? You probably answered history. If I asked you what kind of history, you would probably answer American History.

If your purpose in using this book was to write a report on the Bush Administration, do you think it would be very helpful? No! How do you know this? Because this book is about the founding of the country, and probably doesn’t provide much information on modern American history.

How long did it take you to realize this book was not going to be helpful? Just a few seconds. How often have your children or you spent days reading a text only to realize that it wasn’t providing you with the information that you required?

Simply previewing the contents page can save you days of wasted time, and the frustration of having to start a project over again. Next month, I shall demonstrate another powerful use of your text’s contents page.

Studying and homework whether for college students or professionals doesn’t have to take forever. Continue to browse the Mr.Reader’s Blog for even more study tips and register for a free webinar!

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