In this section we are looking at ways of gathering information, sorting out what's relevant to your work and keeping accurate notes to help you in producing assignments and revising later on.

Managing Reading: SQ3R

Most assignments at university require you to do some reading or research of relevant material. Essays, presentations and projects may all demand that you consult books, journals or other sources to find relevant information. However, this does not mean that you have to read every word of text ever written about a particular subject. You can manage your reading very effectively if you remember to 'SQ3R': Survey, Question, Read, Recall, Review. You can find out more about each of these headings using the links below.

Taking and Making Notes

This is an important skill to develop in doing your research for essays and other assignments. Good note-taking will help you decide on appropriate information to include in your projects, as well as helping you to get the most from lectures and seminars. Good referencing is also vital. We have included some essential tips in the note-taking links below.