OK here is a technique that when you first do it... you are likely not going to like it. However, stick with it and see if it doesn't improve your text scores.

If you are reading a textbook try sitting with notebook. Most textbook chapters start with a page that list chapter objectives. Review the chapter objectives before starting to read. Maybe even read them out loud so you hear the objectives as well as read them. As you start to read the actual chapter...Look at the chapter subheadings and write them in the notebook. After each section, stop and write in your own words what the key concepts were for that section. Copying what is written doesn't cut it..you need to put it in your own words.

The value of this technique is that it gets you looking first at how the chapter content is organized --Objectives... Heading...Subheading. This organization is done for a reason, it can help you focus more on main concepts and less on minor, trivial, nice to know but not necessary information.

If you suffer from ADHD, chunking or breaking down a large chapter into smaller coherent pieces will help you stay focused. You can set little goals... I will read and take notes on 2 sections, THEN I can get up and go to the bathroom. Finally by stopping and checking your understanding by writing key concepts in your own words, helps you convert the information from short-term memory storage to long-term storage. Also by writing it in your own words you can connect the new information to other knowledge you might already have stored in your brain.

Finally, when you have completed the chapter...taking notes after each section, then look at the questions at the end of the chapter, especially the application or critical thinking ones....I KNOW these questions totally suck...but do them anyway. Try to answer them first without looking back in the chapter, then try to use the notes YOU wrote to answer them, finally check your answers by looking back in the chapter.

Is this strategy time intentive?....YES! Can it help you focus and learn textual information...YES! As you practice it you will find that you get better at picking out key concepts in a section, you will get quicker at joting down notes after each section, and things will get more automatic with noting how the author (expert) organizes the content.