A reading companion for notes, articles, and chapters. These prompts are invitations; use the ones that help you.
Starting view: serif type, a soft green background, and passage focus. Open Reading settings to adjust them.
Before you begin
Choose something you want to read. It could be an article, a chapter, a set of notes, or a short explanation.
Write the title and source in your own copy of this journal. This portable reader is for reading; use the creator or your usual notes app to edit your responses.
Set a purpose
What do you want to understand by the end?
A question can give your reading direction. Keep it specific enough that you can return to it after reading.
Example: How can a document stay useful when each reader prefers a different presentation?
Capture the main idea
Describe the main idea in one or two sentences using your own words.
If the idea is still unclear, mark the part you want to revisit. You do not need to resolve every question immediately.
Make a connection
Does the reading remind you of something you already know, something you have experienced, or another question?
Sample reflection: A document can keep its meaning while its appearance changes. This reminds me of choosing a comfortable route to the same destination.
Notice what needs another look
- Which term needs a definition?
- Which claim would benefit from a source?
- Which example helped the idea make sense?
- What would you ask the author?
Choose one next step
Pick a small action: revisit a paragraph, check a source, explain the idea to someone, or try it in your own work.
Sample next step: Share a short guide with two readers and ask which presentation settings they prefer.
Return to your original question
What can you answer now? What remains open?
A useful reading session can end with a better question. Keep that question for the next time you return.
A blank entry to reuse
Title and source:
My question before reading:
The main idea in my own words:
A connection or example:
Something I want to check:
My next step:
An example of a useful question
Instead of only noting “this was interesting,” try asking: “What would change if I applied this idea to the document I am writing?”
You can revise the prompts in the creator before downloading your reading copy.