What is your motive? Ask yourself this question, and try to provide an answer. If you don’t know why you are reading something, your concentration will wane quickly. You could be reading for pleasure, for a better grade, to prepare a report, etc. If you want to gain more from your reading, do not answer this question with the following: “Because I have to.” When you must read a book, chapter, or article find another more productive reason for reading it – something that benefits you.