There are learning methods that are very effective and are used to memorize any study topic, from the simplest to the most complex, and text underlining plays a prominent role in this.
It is a simple act, which is taking a marker and highlighting the most important parts of a text, but there is a science to this. In fact, there are two aspects that will help us such as the color hierarchy and the type of underlining.
Color Hierarchy
The hierarchy of colors is one of the many learning methods most used to teach children, since colors are more visually attractive, which is why they attract their attention, although it also works for young people and adults:
Title – purple
The titles are usually quite differentiated from the rest of the text, being larger with letters almost always in bold. Anyway, use , a mystical color to start.
Subtitles – orange
The same thing happens with the subtitles, in letters a little smaller than the title in bold. Even so, mark the subtitle or section with , which is striking.
Authors – red
If you are going to use an author’s text, a definition or a phrase, even if it is paraphrased, you must make it explicit, and to remember it, he is a good color. The same when we talk about dates and numbers.
Words – blue
For those words that catch your attention or are key, he is fantastic. Just make sure they are not consecutive enough to be a sentence.
General – yellow
The marker most used by students is color, and in this case, we will take it into account for general ideas.
Examples – green
Examples are resources that illustrate a definition or idea, and in , they are usually, in simple words, the translation of a complex term.
Using this color hierarchy to underline texts is not mandatory. You can use the markers as you see fit, just make sure you establish each color before starting and have them clear for each case.
Types of underlining
- Thick lines. Rather than underlining entire, long sentences, they are better for specific words.
- fine lines. For complete sentences or long ideas, thin lines are the most appropriate.
- Dotted lines. Dashed lines are best suited for titles, subtitles, and examples.
- Shapes. Don’t just limit yourself to lines, create circles or squares to mark the text.
- Symbols. One way to make a personalized underline is to use symbols such as arrows, stars, brackets, parentheses, keys, among others that you consider necessary.
Although markers have a fine part to offer the possibility of fine and thick underlining, you can still use markers and pencils.
Tips to highlight texts efficiently
- Read before highlighting. Before even reaching for the highlighter, try to do a thorough reading. Take your time to read the topic, study and memorize. If it has been very difficult for you and you have not achieved an understanding of it at first, do more in-depth readings.
- Key words and phrases. Underlining for the sake of underlining will make you lose focus, as well as a lot of time, since you are not highlighting what is essential. Aim for specific words that refer, for example, to a term and explanatory phrases that are key to understanding.
- Colors you like. Highlighters can be phosphorescent or normal shades that we already know. Colors have different meanings, and each one transmits sensations when you see it, so you should opt for those that you like the most.
- Side notes. If a term is mentioned that you don’t understand, don’t take it for granted, it can be fundamental to understanding much of what you study. Write down its definition on the edges of the page or paste a note of a similar color from the marker.
Both the methods indicated and the advice previously presented will add benefits to you when studying, reviewing and memorizing.