Postgraduate study skills 349 Getting the most out of reading Decide what to read. Subject what the writer says to the tests of critical evaluation as set out in Chapter 19. Analyse the positions, arguments and conclusions the author reaches, to establish the extent to which they are based on sound logical reasoning. Revising The dos and don'ts of revising are given in Table 22.1. Taking exams The dos and don'ts of taking exams are given in Table 22.2. Writing essays and reports The approaches to use are: Define the task. Decide what information you need.