Previewing a Reading Passage
When it comes to reading, having a clear understanding of the content before diving in is crucial for comprehension. One way to achieve this is through previewing a reading passage, which involves examining the text BEFORE actually reading it. By doing so, you can familiarize yourself with the main ideas, key points, and unfamiliar words, setting a purpose for your reading and activating your prior knowledge. In this article, we will explore the concept of previewing, its importance for comprehension, different strategies for previewing a text, and what to look for while previewing a reading passage.
What is previewing and why is it important?
Understanding the concept of previewing
Previewing a reading passage refers to the process of examining the text to gain an overview of its contents. It involves skimming through the material and looking at various text features such as headings, subheadings, graphs, and captions. Previewing sets a purpose for reading, allowing you to develop a framework of what the text is about before exploring into the details.
Importance of previewing for comprehension
Previewing is important for comprehension because it helps readers actively engage with the material they are about to read. By previewing, you can activate your prior knowledge and connect it to the topic at hand. This engagement primes your brain for critical reading and enhances your ability to understand and retain information from the text.
How previewing helps with reading comprehension
When you think of previewing a text, think of it as similar to previewing a movie. Before watching a movie, you might look at the title, read a brief summary, and watch the trailer. All of these elements give you an idea of what to expect and help you decide if the movie is of interest to you. Similarly, previewing a text allows you to understand what the text is about, what you already know about the subject, and what main points you can expect to learn.
Check also: Read to Succeed: 10 Engaging Reading Activities
What are the different strategies for previewing a text?
Skimming versus previewing: Understanding the difference
Skimming is a reading strategy that involves quickly glancing over the text to get a general idea of what it contains. It is often used to determine if the material is worth reading in detail. Previewing, on the other hand, goes a step further. It not only gives you an overview but also helps you set a purpose for reading, understand the main ideas, and identify unfamiliar words or vocabulary.
Using previewing to get an overview of the text
When previewing a reading passage, start by looking at the headings and subheadings. These provide a roadmap of what the text will cover and help you mentally organize the information. Skim through the paragraphs to get a sense of the main ideas and how they are structured. Take note of any graphs, charts, or illustrations that accompany the text as they often provide visual representations of key concepts.
Pre-reading techniques to enhance comprehension
Previewing also involves using pre-reading techniques such as scanning for key words or phrases, reading the introduction and conclusion, and reviewing any summaries or abstracts provided. These techniques can help you grasp the overall purpose and main points of the text even before reading it in detail.
What should you look for while previewing a reading passage?
Examining the headings and subheadings
Headings and subheadings act as signposts within the text, guiding you through the content. When previewing, pay attention to these markers as they often indicate the main ideas or sections of the text. By familiarizing yourself with the headings and subheadings, you can get a sense of the structure and organization of the material.
Identifying the main ideas and key points
As you preview a reading passage, try to identify the main ideas and key points being presented. These are the core concepts that the author wants to convey. Look for topic sentences or statements that summarize the main ideas of each paragraph. By understanding the main ideas in advance, you can better comprehend the details when you read the text in full.
Understanding unfamiliar words and vocabulary
Previewing also allows you to identify any unfamiliar words or vocabulary that may appear in the text. Take note of these words and try to understand their meaning before reading the entire passage. This way, when you encounter them in context, you will have a better grasp of their significance and how they contribute to the overall understanding of the text.
How can previewing enhance your reading comprehension?
Improving understanding through previewing
By previewing a reading passage, you can improve your overall understanding of the material. Previewing sets a purpose for your reading and provides a framework for organizing the information. When you have an idea of what to expect, you are more likely to engage with the text and actively seek out connections between your prior knowledge and the new information being presented.
Enhancing comprehension using graphs and captions
Graphs and illustrations can be powerful tools for enhancing comprehension. When previewing a text, pay attention to any graphs, charts, or figures that are included. These visual representations can help you better understand complex concepts or relationships within the text. Read the accompanying captions to gain further insight and context.
Using previewing to activate prior knowledge
Previewing engages your prior experience and knowledge on the subject. When you preview a reading passage, you tap into what you already know about the subject and use it as a foundation to build upon. This activation allows you to make connections, ask relevant questions, and develop a deeper understanding of the material.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of previewing a reading passage?
A: The purpose of previewing a reading passage is to get an overview of the material you are about to read and to activate your prior knowledge on the topic.
Q: How is previewing a text different from skimming?
A: While skimming involves reading quickly to get a general idea of the content, previewing a text is a more focused approach. It includes examining text features, illustrations, headings, and other elements to gather information before diving into the actual reading.
Q: How can previewing a text improve reading comprehension?
A: Previewing a text can improve reading comprehension as it helps readers make connections with what they already know about the topic. It allows readers to formulate questions, predictions, and expectations, which actively engage them in the reading process.
Q: What strategies do readers use when previewing a reading passage?
A: Readers use various strategies when previewing a reading passage, such as scanning the headings and subheadings, examining the illustrations and captions, reading the first and last paragraphs of each section, and looking for key words or phrases.
Q: How is previewing a nonfiction text different from previewing a fiction story?
A: Previewing a nonfiction text involves examining text features and illustrations to gain an understanding of the main ideas, supporting details, and the structure of the text. On the other hand, previewing a fiction story may involve focusing on the plot, characters, and story’s problems and solutions.
Q: What is the role of previewing in the SQ3R reading method?
A: Previewing is the first step in the SQ3R (Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review) reading method. It allows the reader to create a framework for understanding and actively engage in the reading process.
Q: Why is it important to preview reading assignments?
A: Previewing reading assignments is important as it helps you to prepare and focus on the key points, main ideas, and supporting evidence. It enhances your understanding of what you are about to read and improves overall comprehension.
Q: What does previewing a text involve?
A: Previewing a text involves examining the text before you read it. This includes scanning headings and subheadings, looking at illustrations, reading the first and last paragraphs, and noting any unfamiliar vocabulary to enhance understanding.
Q: How does previewing a text help in determining the meaning of a word?
A: By previewing a text, you can encounter unfamiliar words or terms before you start reading. This allows you to make educated guesses about their meaning based on the context and information provided in the previewed material.
Q: How can previewing a text enhance active reading?
A: Previewing a text enhances active reading by actively engaging the reader in the reading process before even starting to read. It helps the reader create connections, make predictions, ask questions, and maintain a focused and intentional approach to reading.
Conclusion
In conclusion, previewing is a valuable reading strategy that can help you to better understand and remember what you read. By taking a few minutes to scan the title, headings, subheadings, and first and last paragraphs, you can get a general sense of the topic, the author’s purpose, and the organization of the passage. This will help you to focus your attention as you read, and it will also make it easier to identify the main ideas and supporting details.
