Independent Learning Centre

Selecting What to Read

• Determining Source Reliability
  Understand what academic and non-academic sources are considered suitable
• Evaluating Websites
  Learn how to identify reliable online resources
• Where Do I Start?
  Read a presentation that demonstrates successful reading strategies
• Skimming and scanning
  Assess the relevance of a book to an essay by practising skimming and scanning skills

Academic English

• Quick Guide to Making Sense of Academic Words and Phrases
  Study a short list of useful words and phrases for academic purposes
• The Academic Word List
  Improve your reading efficiency by widening your range of academic vocabulary
• English Vocabulary Exercises
  Consolidate your knowledge of academic words
• Academic Phrasebank
  Glimpse phrases of different language functions used by academic writers

How to Read

• How to Read Academic Texts
  Follow 7 steps to read academic texts
• Reading Skill Helpsheet
  Sharpen your reading skills with interesting examples
• Reading Academic Articles
  Learn about different parts in journal articles and how to read them
• How to Read a Scholarly Article
  Watch a short video on practical tips to read journal articles efficiently and effectively
• How to Read a Scholarly Journal Article
  Watch a video that demonstrates how to read a sample journal article step-by-step

Note-taking While Reading

• Critical Note-taking
  Watch a video about academic note-taking
• Making Notes from Reading
  Explore different approaches to note-making
• Note-making Techniques
  Master note-making skills by examining features of various types of notes

• Active Reading (Usage Notes)  (ILC)
  Active Reading helps you improve your reading in an effective and systematic way.
• Learning Apps - Dictionary (ILC)
• Learning Apps - Note-Making Apps (ILC)
• Learning Apps - Scanning Apps (ILC)
• Reader's Digest
• The New York Times Learning Network

• Burgmeier, A. (2012). Inside reading. Intro: The academic word list in context (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press. (UL PE1128 .B8463 2012)
• Godfrey, J. (2010). Reading and making notes. Palgrave Macmillan. (CC LB2395.3 .G64 2010)
• Hart, S. (2017). Expand your English: A guide to improving your academic vocabulary. Hong Kong University Press. (UL PE1128 .H375 2017)
• Jesson, J., Matheson, L., & Lacey, F. M. (2011). Doing your literature review: Traditional and systematic techniques. Sage. (UL H62 .J47 2011)
• McCarthy, M. (2016). Academic vocabulary in use: Vocabulary reference and practice, self-study and classroom use. Cambridge University Press. (UL PE1128 .M33 2016)
• McWhorter, K. T. (2012). Active reading skills: Reading and critical thinking in college (3rd ed.). Longman. (CC LB2395.3 .M384 2012)
• McWhorter, K. T. (2015). Guide to college reading (10th ed.). Pearson. (CC LB2395.3 .M39 2015)
• Olsen, A. E. (2010). Active vocabulary: General and academic words (4th ed.). Longman. (UL PE1449 .O457 2010)
• Rothman, D. (2014). Read to achieve: Gateway to academic reading. Pearson. (CC LB2395.3 .R67 2014)
• Zwier, L. J., & Weltig, M. S. (2010). Mastering academic reading. University of Michigan Press. (UL PE1417 .Z95 2010)