Final answer:
To improve understanding of a difficult excerpt, use active reading strategies like asking questions, making connections, and summarizing. If you already finished reading without understanding, try re-reading smaller sections and seeking additional resources.
Step-by-step explanation:
When faced with a long, difficult excerpt like Jean-Jacques Rousseau's The Social Contract, an active reading strategy can be used to increase understanding.
- One effective strategy is to read slowly and actively, engaging with the text by asking questions and making connections.
- Take breaks to summarize what you've read and reflect on your understanding.
- If you already finished reading and didn't understand any of it, you can try re-reading smaller sections, breaking down complex ideas into simpler terms, and seeking additional resources such as summaries, explanations, or discussions on the book.