Previewing

Previewing a text before you read helps you learn the material better by setting a
purpose for reading, focusing on the most important information, and connecting
the information in the text to what you already know.

Instructions for previewing

Read the title of the passage. Quite often the main idea of the article is
summarized in the title.

1. Determine who wrote the text or article. What are their qualifications? What
do the footnotes or introductory information say about the background and
experience of the authors? Understanding where an author is coming from
may help you understand the writing.
2. Skim the boldface headings and words in boldfaced type throughout the
text. The headings condense the text's or article's content for you into just a
few words and can give you an idea where the author is headed.
3. Look over any graphics. Are there photos, maps or charts? These graphic
aids provide you with a quick look at the section's contents and main
purpose.
4. Read the first paragraph. The first paragraph most often contains the topic
or thesis sentence and the main ideas of the passage.
5. Look over any material at the end of the article. Authors sometimes add
comments at the end of the passage that will help you better comprehend
the content of the reading assignment. Textbooks frequently have questions
for review or consideration at the end of each chapter. Knowing what those
are before you begin reading can help direct your thoughts as you proceed.