Final answer:
To converse with the author of a textbook, writing comments in the margins is the most effective method, pushing beyond passive memorization or simple highlighting to actively engage with the text.
Step-by-step explanation:
To converse with the author of a textbook, the most engaging method would be to write comments in the margins. This approach allows you to interact actively with the text, ask questions, express disagreements, or connect ideas to your own experiences. Simply highlighting the text is good for memorizing main ideas, but it does not facilitate a deeper engagement. Memorizing important points is also a passive activity that does not equate to a conversation with the author.
Annotating the text by writing questions or objections in the margins, summarizing the reading (also known as a reflection), and circling unfamiliar words are some methods that can also help in conversing with the text. Besides, using color-coded highlighting can track various literary devices, aiding in further understanding and discussion of the author's writing. According to effective studying strategies, other tools include keeping a reading journal, reading assignments multiple times, and discussing with others to articulate your thinking.
Therefore, the method that most closely represents "conversing" with an author is writing comments in the margins.