Article: Before you start, set aside some time in a quiet area. Move through the text slowly, and don’t be afraid to use your dictionary or reference materials if you are lost or confused. You can make your notes on a separate sheet of paper, where you can write general thoughts, questions, or important ideas or plot points. If you own the text, you might want to consider highlighting key phrases or writing notes in pencil in the book. Also, consider the following questions.  What are the important main events? Which characters are involved in the sub-plot and how does the sub-plot relate to the chief plot? What is the relationship of characters to each other? What motivates the characters? What is the central point or lesson of the play? Do not be discouraged if you must re-read passages several times. Even literary scholars often return to key lines. Each time you read a passage you will gain a deeper understanding of what is going on in the play. Remember that reading the play you’ve chosen should be fun. Push on through and keep reading. Don’t let outdated language or references stop you from enjoying the play. When you are finished with a section, take out a fresh sheet of paper and take some more notes.  Write a summary of each scene or act. Record questions or thoughts you may have about the scene. Record any new words, phrases, and their definitions that you looked up during reading.

What is a summary?
Read carefully and slowly. Take notes as you read. Reread the text. Keep reading. Take more notes after each section.