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Learning Commons at the

Wilson Library

RCS 490 Special Topics: Audience Research, Insights and Analysis

What Should I Focus on When Reading Articles?
5 Tips for Reading Academic Articles
  1. Read the abstract first. Then read the conclusion and introduction.
  2. Look at the methods/data/evidence for the research study/argument.
  3. Read the article, and take notes while reading.
  4. Summarize the article in your own words (in 2 or 3 sentences.)
  5. Think about (and take notes on) how the article applies to and/or helps you with your own argument and research.