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Chapter 2 of 10

How to Read, Understand & Use Your Jotter

Now that we’ve handled pressure, let’s talk about the real work. Reading that sticks.

CHAPTER 2


How to Read, Understand & Use Your Jotter

Now that we’ve talked about the pressure, let’s talk about the actual work: reading. But not the kind of reading where you stare at your book for 5 hours and remember nothing. I’m talking about reading that stays in your head. Reading that makes you say “Ah, so that’s what it means”.

Many students think reading is just moving your eyes across pages. No. Real reading is a conversation between you and the book. You ask questions. The book answers. You pause. You think. You connect. That’s how understanding is born.

Let’s be honest: Cramming doesn’t work for JAMB. JAMB doesn’t ask “Define photosynthesis word for word”. JAMB asks “If a plant is kept in darkness for 3 days, what will happen to its chlorophyll?” That’s understanding. And understanding comes from how you read, not how long you read.

Here’s how to read so your brain actually keeps it:

1. The 3-Step Reading Method: Step 1 - Before you read, ask “What do I already know about this topic?” Step 2 - Read slowly, one paragraph at a time. After each paragraph, close the book and ask “Can I explain this to a 5-year-old?” Step 3 - After the whole page, write 3 key points in your own words. Not textbook words. YOUR words.

2. The Power of Your Jotter: Your jotter is not just for “copying notes”. Your jotter is your second brain. When you write by hand, your brain remembers 40% more than when you just read. So don’t just copy. Summarize. Draw small diagrams. Use colors. Make it personal.

3. Brainstorming With Friends: Studying alone is good, but studying with 2-3 serious friends is powerful. When you teach someone, you understand it 90% better. Form a small group. One person explains Biology, another explains Math. You ask questions. You challenge each other.

4. Ask Questions, Don’t Just Accept: Good students ask “Why?”. Why is the formula like this? Why did the author say this? Curiosity is the key to memory. Don’t be afraid to ask your teacher “Sir, I don’t understand”. Asking questions is not weakness. It’s intelligence.

Let me tell you something real: Understanding beats cramming every time. A student who truly understands 60% of the syllabus will score higher than a student who crammed 100% but understands 20%. Because JAMB tests understanding. They twist questions.

So from today, change your approach. Read less, but understand more. Write more in your jotter, but write in your own words. Discuss more with serious friends. And always, always ask questions. The student who asks questions is the student who grows.

In Chapter 3, we’ll talk about past questions and speed. Because knowing the work is one thing. Finishing the CBT in time is another thing.

“Don’t just read to finish. Read to understand. Understanding is what turns knowledge into marks.”
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