PREVIEWING

 

 


 

Previewing

 
Previewing is a reading technique that involves understanding what is in a particular work without reading the contents of the text. Previewing simply means looking over your reading material in order to become familiar with its content before you actually begin reading it. In this way, you begin thinking about any experiences you may have had with the subject. By previewing you can provide a general overview and find parts that need to be read, as well as parts that don't. Previewing a text as a reading strategy has the goal of providing you with a quick overview, a rough idea of what you should expect from the book or text at hand, and a foundation for the upcoming learning curve. By previewing a text as a reading strategy, you familiarize yourself with the content, roughly analyzing what you already know about the subject.

Previewing a text is similar to watching a movie preview. Think of previewing a text as similar to watching a movie trailer. A successful preview for either a movie or a reading experience will capture what the overall work is going to be about, generally what expectations the audience can have of the experience to come, how the piece is structured, and what kinds of patterns will emerge. Previewing engages your prior experience and asks you to think about what you already know about this subject matter, or this author, or this publication. Then anticipate what new information might be ahead of you when you return to read this text more closely.

The effects of previewing in reading comprehension have been studied in the past, and researchers have found that going through a previewing stage before reading a text can actually improve comprehension By familiarizing yourself with the content before actually reading it actively or analytically you set a clear purpose for your reading session and, moreover, you set some clear expectations. 

The reader’s strategies for previewing and its benefits depend on the genre:

When reading nonfiction, readers preview the work to ascertain their prior knowledge and research interests. Additionally, it enables them to comprehend how a writer has set up the data.

Biographies are previewed by readers to learn more about the subject, the era, and potential locations and events in the subject’s life.

When reading fiction, readers preview the characters, the environment, and the plot. Additionally, they preview to foresee the outcome of the plot.

Here are four steps to follow when previewing a reading passage.

1. Read the Title. The title often will give you the topic or subject of the reading passage. As you read the title, begin thinking about the reading passage. “What is the passage about?” “What kind of information will I learn?” “What do I already know about this subject?” 

2. Read the First Paragraph. The first paragraph often will give you the main idea of the reading selection. As you read the first paragraph, continue thinking about the material. “Does the first paragraph give me any more specific information about the reading?” What do I know about this subject?” If the selection is very short, such as a single paragraph, you need to read just the first one or two sentences. 

3. Read the Last Paragraph. The last paragraph often sums up what the author has to say. You get an idea as to what the author feels is most important. Again if the selection is very short, you need to read only the last one or two sentences.

 4. Look Over the Passage. Move your eyes quickly over the passage. As you glance over the material, note any key words that might give you additional information about the main idea. 

 Here are a few examples of how you can preview different types of text:

Example 1: Previewing a Non-fiction Book Chapter

Let’s say you’re about to read a chapter titled “The Impact of Social Media on Communication” from a book on digital culture. Here’s how you could preview the text:

• Look at the Title: The title suggests the chapter will discuss how social media has changed the way people communicate.

• Check the Subheadings: The subheadings might be “Changes in Interpersonal Communication,” “The Role of Algorithms,” and “Future Trends.” These give you an idea of the specific topics that will be covered.

• Read the First and Last Paragraphs: These paragraphs often introduce the main argument and summarize the chapter. From this, you might learn that the chapter argues both positive and negative effects of social media on communication.

• Skim any Bullet Points or Key Terms: If there are bullet points or bolded terms, these usually highlight important concepts or arguments. For example, you might see terms like “echo chambers” or “digital literacy.”


Example 2: Previewing a Magazine Article

You’re about to read a magazine article titled “The Future of Electric Cars”. To preview it:

• Read the Headline and Subheadline: The headline tells you the article is about electric cars, and the subheadline might indicate it’s focused on new innovations and market growth.

• Look at the First and Last Paragraphs: The first paragraph may introduce the topic, like the growing popularity of electric cars, while the last paragraph might summarize predictions about their future dominance in the auto industry.

• Scan for Visuals: The article may include charts, photos of electric cars, or quotes from experts. These can give you a quick idea of the main points, such as improvements in battery technology or government incentives.


Example 3: Previewing a News Article

You’re reading a news article titled “Global Leaders Meet to Discuss Climate Change Solutions”. Here’s how to preview it:

• Look at the Title: The title tells you the article is about a global summit on climate change.

• Read the First and Last Sentences of the Opening Paragraph: The first sentence might mention the purpose of the meeting, and the last sentence may state what outcomes are expected.

• Skim Subheadings: If the article is divided into sections like “Proposed Solutions” and “Challenges Ahead,” you know it will cover both the ideas discussed and the obstacles in implementing them.

• Look for Quotes or Statistics: Skimming the quotes from key figures or statistical data can give you a quick sense of what’s important in the article.


Example 4: Previewing an Academic Paper

You’re previewing a paper titled “The Effects of Urbanization on Bird Populations.” Here’s how:

• Read the Abstract: This provides a summary of the paper, outlining the research question, methods, and findings

 

 


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