Summary
This article explains how to improve reading comprehension and retention by previewing material and generating guide questions before engaging with the full text.
A Guide to Active Reading Through Previewing
Highlights
The Importance of Previewing
Active reading begins with preparation. Previewing is a technique that helps readers familiarize themselves with an essay's content and organization. By creating a mental outline before reading, readers can increase their interest, improve concentration, and enhance memory retention.
How to Preview a Selection
To effectively preview a text, readers should examine the title, subtitle, author, and headnote for context. Review the introduction, headings, and the first sentences of paragraphs to understand the structure. Additionally, analyze any visual aids like charts or photographs, read the conclusion for a summary of the main ideas, and review any end-of-assignment questions to identify key focus areas.