The document outlines a 7-step process for effectively previewing a chapter in a textbook: 1) Read the title to understand the topic, 2) Skim the introduction for an overview, 3) Read headings and subheadings to grasp the organization, 4) Examine visuals for a deeper understanding, 5) Identify important vocabulary terms in bold or italics, 6) Scan the summary or conclusion, and 7) Read any chapter questions to focus on key points. Following these steps takes 3-5 minutes to help students optimize their reading comprehension and retention.

1. PREVIEWING
The entire process should take students about 3-5 minutes.
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Start With the Title
Skim the Introduction
Read the Headings and Subheadings
Focus on the Visuals
Look for Bold or Italicized Words
Scan the Chapter's Summary or Final
Paragraphs
Read Through the Chapter Questions

2. START WITH THE TITLE
This sets the stage for what comes ahead.
Time: 5 Seconds
SKIM THE INTRODUCTION
A broad overview about the reading.
Students should have an understanding of at least 2-3 key
points that will be discussed in the reading.
Time: 30 Seconds - 1 Minute

3. READ THE HEADINGS AND SUBHEADINGS
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Go through each page of the chapter and read all of the headings
and subheadings. Gives an idea of how the information is
organized.
Students should think about each heading, and how it relates to
the title and introduction they previously skimmed.
Time: 30 Seconds

4. FOCUS ON THE VISUALS
This will give them a deeper understanding of the
information that will be learned as you read the chapter.
Time: 1 Minute
LOOK FOR BOLD OR ITALICIZED WORDS
These will be the important vocabulary words used throughout
the reading.
 Write a list of these terms.
 Write down definitions
 Time: 1 Minute (More if you have the students make a list of
terms)

5. SCAN THE CHAPTER'S SUMMARY OR FINAL
PARAGRAPHS
In many textbooks, the information taught in the chapter is
neatly summed up in a couple of paragraphs at the end.
Time: 30 Seconds
READ THROUGH THE CHAPTER QUESTIONS
If students read the chapter questions before they begin,
this will help them focus on the key points of the reading
from the beginning. Time: 1 Minute