As a general practice for reading on an academic level, particularly as a graduate student, consider setting a timer. Reading in set blocks of time and taking short timed breaks between readings may help with reading strategically and with absorbing information.
- Consider a 20-minute read: What would you read if you only had 20 minutes?
- Start with the abstract, discussion, section headings, the first sentence of paragraphs or sections.
Using a timer may also be a helpful practice in writing for course assignments and for lengthy research projects.