Approaching the reading list as a Chevening Scholar in the UK
Our top tips on how to approach your academic reading as a Chevening Scholar in the UK.
As you will be aware from your previous studies, academic reading requires a proactive, evaluative approach. Understanding the text is not enough; you need to read critically and engage actively with the material. Here are some strategies to help you approach your academic reading while in the UK.
Survey the text
Before diving into a detailed reading, get an overview of the text to make sure it’s worth reading in more detail:
- Assess your prior knowledge. Write down what you already know about the topic, including key words or phrases.
- Define your purpose. Determine why you are reading the text to help focus your reading.
- Skim the text. Read the abstract for a summary and avoid reading every word during this initial survey.
- Review headings and subheadings.
- Examine data presented in tables, diagrams, and charts.
- Read the first sentence of each paragraph to grasp the main ideas.
- Look at the introduction and conclusion.
Evaluate the text
Once you’ve decided if the text is worth reading in more detail, switch to a critical reading mode. Ask yourself:
- What is the main message?
- What evidence supports the key points?
- Are the arguments logically connected?
- What are the limitations of the work?
- How does it relate to other research in the field?
- What is the author’s background and expertise?
Take effective notes
Note-taking helps concentration and serves as a record of your reading. It will help you later on when you get to the writing phase or if you’re preparing for a seminar. Click on the expanding arrows to reveal some key points to remember for effective note-taking.
If the subject is new, your reading may be very slow, and it can help your understanding if you note down the main points as you read each section. At the end of your note-taking session, you should be able to look back on your notes and identify the key ideas from the text you read – and the key data or evidence shared.
You may then find further reading referenced within those texts which will reveal more information about the topic you are researching.
If you’re reading around a topic, you’ll have to read a number of articles, chapters, or books. The more you read, the more likely it is you’ll find either information to support what you have already read or counterarguments. You may start to make connections between ideas, and it’s useful to be able to record these by adding them to your original notes. This means you’re applying your critical reading skills, and it will also be useful when you write your essay.
Record full reference details (author, date, title, publication info, and DOI for online sources) for every source that you read to avoid last-minute searches. If at the writing stage you can’t find the reference for an idea that you read about and want to use, you won’t be able to use it.
Use university libraries
University libraries offer a range of resources and services:
- Access learning resources: Libraries provide books, journals, and databases essential for your studies.
- Study spaces: You’ll find both quiet areas for independent study and group workspaces for discussions.
- Information literacy: Learn to search for and assess academic information effectively with the help of library staff. This includes, for example, using search features in academic databases and online journals, and understanding how to assess information in terms of its authority, currency, and relevance.
- Online resources: Many e-books and journals are accessible only through the library’s online catalogue. Use the online catalogue to locate and access these resources, and find out where library books are stored and their availability. Your online library account will also show you which books you have borrowed and when you need to return them.
By following these strategies, you can tackle academic reading more effectively on your Chevening year, enhance your understanding, and make better use of the information you discover.
