1. Title and headings:
- Pay attention to the title of the material. It can give you a general idea about the topic.
- Look at the headings and subheadings within the text. They provide a structure and help you understand the main points.
2. Introduction and conclusion:
- Read the introduction to get an overview of the material and the author's main argument or purpose.
- Quickly glance through the conclusion to understand the main points and any conclusions drawn.
3. Table of contents and index:
- If available, review the table of contents to see the structure and organization of the material.
- Check the index to find specific topics or keywords that might be relevant to your writing.
4. Formatting and visual aids:
- Note any special formatting, such as bold text, italics, or bullet points. These often highlight important information.
- Look for visual aids like charts, graphs, images, or illustrations. These can provide valuable information and context.
5. Check the source and author's credentials:
- Consider the credibility of the source and the author's expertise in the field. This can impact the reliability of the information.
- Check for any references, citations, or bibliographies included. These can indicate the source of the information and allow you to verify facts and data.
6. Consider your purpose:
- Keep your writing purpose in mind while previewing the material. Look for sections or information that directly relate to your topic and research question.
7. Highlight key points:
- As you preview, make brief notes or highlight important points, quotes, or ideas that you might want to use later in your writing.
8. Skim through difficult sections:
- If there are sections that seem complex or irrelevant to your purpose, skim through them quickly. You can come back to them later if necessary.
9. Read the abstract (if available):
- If the material includes an abstract, read it first. The abstract provides a condensed summary of the main points.
10. Look for relevant information:
- While previewing, focus on finding information that directly supports your writing topic. Don't get distracted by irrelevant details at this stage.
Remember, the goal of previewing is to get a general understanding of the material and identify the most relevant and useful information for your writing process. It's not necessary to read everything in detail at this point. You can always refer back to the material later for more in-depth reading and note-taking.