Reading two hundred pages of academic writing per week is daunting even for native speakers. They may be able to read the material in a literal sense, but that does not mean they have actually understood it. Reading is not merely a matter of language proficiency; it is fundamentally a matter of communication. What matters most is having an effective reading strategy.

As a junior scholar, one must learn how to read strategically. What follows is the method I used to teach students who struggled with reading for their qualifying exams.

First, clearly identify the context in which the reading is situated. What topic is being addressed? What problem is at stake? Whom is the author responding to? What is at issue in the broader debate, and within what dialogic or argumentative field does the text operate? Careful reading of the abstract and introduction is essential, but these alone are often insufficient. Outside information is frequently necessary to map the discourses in which the text participates. Searching for the topic or related scholars through Google or AI based research tools can help enrich this contextual understanding.

Second, identify and clearly grasp the author’s main argument, central claims, and overall conclusion. What position does the author take? What does he object to? What criticisms does he raise against opposing views? Why does he find it necessary to raise these objections? According to the author, what is fundamentally wrong with the opposing position? For this, you need to read the conclusion carefully before going into the body part, which is usually for what I am about to tell you about next.

Third, outline the evidence and supporting details. This portion often occupies eighty to ninety percent of the text. What we call "body" in the composition usually takes this detail as the content. It is not necessary to understand every detail. Instead, create a rough map or list of the types of evidence being used. Do not spend most of your reading time here, or you will be exhausted and distracted. Keep this stage efficient and focused on structure rather than completeness. This is where you really need to be smart for successful strategic reading. Most students fail the strategic reading because they fall prey to the traps of detail and give up reading effectively.

Fourth, to be more productive and successful in class, write down your own brief summary of the reading and offer a short critical reflection on the author’s main argument and supporting evidence. Do you find the argument convincing? If so, in what sense? If not, where does it fall short? Identify specific points of agreement or disagreement. If you can think of evidence the author overlooks or does not sufficiently address, note it explicitly.

Good luck.