Making full use of science, math, language and literature books in college goes far beyond remembering to buy the book. Most students believe that the readings assigned by their professors are everything these resources have to offer. On the contrary, textbooks are a valuable resource for any high school or college course. There is no need to let these books sit on the shelf all year. Using the following tips can help turn a book into an irreplaceable tool for success.

Read out loud

Foreign language textbooks will often include activities and exercises that are intended to be read aloud. Even if dialogues are included as part of the text, and designed to be read in silence, reading them aloud with a friend is one of the best ways of improving accent, fluency, and grammar skills. Regardless of the language, foreign language textbooks will include dialogues and readings appropriate to the student’s level.

Don’t forget about the special sections

Books in every subject will include special sections of interest in nearly every chapter. In a science class these may include special information on mathematical concepts, interesting experiments, or insight into the historical background of the scientific subjects that the chapter covers. History texts might include sections focused on specific people, place, or events. Foreign language textbooks are likely to include sections with vocabulary for special situations that may be encountered in travel, information about local culture and tradition, and special topics on art or literature. These special topics are one way to enhance your understanding of any subject and use your textbook to its full extent.

Do the exercises

This may seem like a no-brainer. However, many students quickly skip over helpful comprehension questions and practice problems unless they are specifically assigned by a professor. These questions are actually a practical resource. They can be used to help memorize a conjugation, understand a new concept, or practice using a formula. Sly professors sometimes use them as test or quiz questions.

Look at the answers

It’s not a joke. Many math, science, or language books include the solutions and explanations to their problem sets in the back of the book. After finishing the exercises it is a great idea to check the answers, correct any mistakes, and gain a fuller understanding of the material in the process. Checking the answers isn’t the same as cheating. On the contrary, it is a good way to help process the material, and fully understand the reading. Just make sure you do the exercises first.