Reading newspaper articles have become one of the most important task everyday if we want to succeed in the exams like UPSC. But it takes so much time to read the articles and understand what is being said between the lines.Now here is a simple way to read any article without wasting much time.
Let me show you with an example.Here is an excerpt from The Hindu Article.
What is it all about
In the very first sentence the writer has given his view on the topic and rest of the article would be containing arguments supporting his views.Not necessarily you will find the intention of the writer in the first line but most probably in the first para you can get the sense about what the article would be about.This is the first and foremost important thing to understand that "what is the fuss all about".
Therefore be patient in the first paragraph.
Understanding the arguments
Next , is to understand the debate and arguments.Skip the few lines which is about state politics and focus on the High court's decision.If you read the news paper you must be knowing the recent HC ruling regarding Article 370.Therefore in the article just focus on the argument- why the ruling was right.You need not to take all the arguments as it is.Supplement it with your understanding on the topic or any other article.Read the conclusion and keep it aside.Do not write down the whole article ,just write the headlines when you read the news paper.
Making Notes
Take a paper and make three columns of 'for' , 'against' and 'your view'.Now try to write what you have understood in the three columns without looking at the article.You can do this at the end of the day when you want a break from study.Recalling and writing what you have read in the morning will help you to remember it for a longer time.It will also help you to write less and you will not be tempted to copy down the whole article.Think over it and form your own view on the subject.
Example;
First understand why the article is in news , then some basic knowledge is important.Then the arguments.
Order your notes as ;
1.Context
2.Background
3.Arguments.(In this you have to write both sides of argument even if it is not mentioned in the article.)
If you are making notes in e format you can add on later also.But if you are making notes in hard copy leave some space to add something you find important on that topic.
You must have been thinking that it would take more time.Initially , yes it will take a bit more time.But in this way you will be able to understand what you are reading and order your thoughts acccordingly.And once you master this you can make your notes in half an hour.
