As an aspiring medical student in India, you are no doubt familiar with the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) books. These books are considered to be the gold standard for preparing for exams like NEET. However, with so much material to cover, it can be overwhelming trying to study from these books. One way to make the most of your time and efforts is to learn how to skim NCERT books for NEET.
Skimming is a reading technique that involves quickly scanning the material to get a general idea of its content.
It is a useful skill to have, particularly when you are trying to cover a large amount of material in a short amount of time. Here are some tips on how to skim NCERT books effectively:
Use your peripheral vision
When skimming, try to use your peripheral vision to scan the text quickly. This will allow you to cover a larger area of the page more quickly and to identify key words and phrases.
Start by identifying the main topics and subtopics
Each chapter in an NCERT book is usually divided into sections, and these sections are further divided into subtopics. Identify the main topics and subtopics in each chapter and make a list of them. This will help you to get a general idea of the content of the chapter and to identify the most important points.
Read the summary and introduction
Many NCERT books include a summary or introduction at the beginning of each chapter. These sections provide a brief overview of the material covered in the chapter and can help you to get a sense of what to expect.
Skip over the details and focus on the main points
When skimming, it is important to focus on the main points and skip over the details. Look for bolded or italicized words, as these are often used to highlight the most important points. Lists and numbered points often summarize important information. Skim the text and look for these to get a sense of the main ideas.
Use the headings and subheadings to guide your reading
The headings and subheadings in an NCERT book can be a useful guide for skimming. They often provide a summary of the material covered in that section and can help you to get a sense of the content without having to read every word.
Take notes as you skim
As you read, make notes of the most important points. This will help you to retain the information and to review it later. Note down keywords.
NCERT books for NEET in audio form
If you are tired of reading, listen to audio books. NEETshala provides many chapters in audio form. You can bookmark at particular time or make notes. You can also watch important points being underlined as the presenter reads. Check out this page for more details on NCERT audio books.
While skimming is a useful technique, it should not be the only way you study. Make sure to also practice active reading, which involves reading the material carefully and critically, asking questions and taking notes as you go.
In conclusion, skimming is a useful technique for quickly getting a general idea of the content of an NCERT book. By following the tips outlined above, you can effectively skim NCERT books and make the most of your study time. Remember, however, to also practice active reading and to review your notes regularly in order to fully understand the material. Good luck on your journey to becoming a medical student!