Previewing an article or an essay

Preview strategy — previewing essays and articles

1. First, preview the reading by

1.      Looking at the title of the selection and noting any sub-headings

2.      Reading any lead-ins—these are usually italicized

3.      Skimming the first and last paragraphs

4.      Looking at any accompanying graphics and captions

5.      Reading biographical information about the author

6.      Noticing the location of original publication

2. Then, think about and write down

1.      What the title and subheadings reveal about the content of the article or essay

2.      What the lead-ins reveal about the content

3.      How the first and last paragraphs may set up and wrap up the focus or thesis

4.      What the graphics may reveal about the content

5.      What the biography of the author and the original audience may reveal about the author’s purposes and possible biases

3. You may then consolidate your previewing focus if you write down answers to the following questions before beginning to read:

1.      What do you already know about this topic?

2.      List three things you would be interested in learning about this topic.

3.      What do you think is the purpose of this reading?

4.      What learning goal(s) can you set for yourself as you read this?

5.      Have you already noticed words which you do not recognize? How will you deal with unfamiliar vocabulary? Will you try to understand words first in the context of the sentence? Will you look them up in a dictionary or the glossary?

Your Instructor may ask you to record the answers to these questions for all your readings during the semester in a dedicated notebook or post them on online discussion boards or learning blogs.