Record the current section, the question in progress, and the next page to inspect before ending the session.

Put it into practice

Try a reference from a current project. Record the current section, the question in progress, and the next page to inspect before ending the session. Leave a note about what you changed and why.

Zotero PDF reader with page thumbnails, highlights and source-linked notes.
Zotero shows page numbers beside annotations. Record the page and the question you will resume.Zotero

Work through one real item

Work through one real item

  1. Step 1

    State the question before reading.

  2. Step 2

    Mark evidence with its location.

  3. Step 3

    Write disagreement in your own words.

  4. Step 4

    End with the next action or a deliberate stop.

Try these steps with your own files. Keep the ones that help you find a reference or decide what to do with it.

Zotero note editor for recording context beside a source.
Example in Zotero: use a short note for the next section to inspect and the reason for returning.Zotero

What the source supports

Choose what to do

Connect reading to a live question
Reading stateKeepLeave behind
What to tryRecord the current section, the question in progress, and the next page to inspect before ending the session.Record whether the item stays, changes, or goes, and why.
ScanningOnly likely sectionsQuestion and location
Reading closelyClaims and evidenceQuotation and response
DoneDecision or next actionClean handoff note

Check the result

When to use another approach

Sources reviewed

  1. Keeping Found Things Found on the WebMicrosoft Research · November 2001 · 2026-08-23

    Observed methods people use to keep web information and the value of preserving reminders and context.

  2. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2World Wide Web Consortium · December 2024 · 2026-08-23

    Descriptive headings, meaningful sequence, language metadata, focus visibility, and accessible relationships.

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