Asking questions is an important study technique because it encourages you to actively involve yourself in the material you are learning. This “active” studying will assist in your comprehension and future retention of the material.
For example, when reading something in English, ask yourself the following questions (and write down your answers):
1. What is this passage about (general topic)?
2. What is the main idea (what is being said about the topic)?
3. What is the author’s purpose?
4. What is the meaning of this word as it is used in the sentence?
5. What does “it” refer to in this passage?
6. Is this sentence a main idea or supporting evidence?
