Previewing a Text
When reading a nonfiction text about historical figures, strong readers scan the text before they begin reading. They look at text features to gather information about the topic. Each piece of information helps them think about what they will be reading before they begin.
How to Preview a Text
Begin by reading the title of the article and searching for clues about the main idea. Ask yourself what you already know about the topic.
Then, survey the text for other text features. For example, read any headings and subheadings you find.
When you have previewed the entire article, read the first sentence or even the first paragraph. Then, try assembling the information you have gleaned from your preview into a statement detailing what you expect to learn. After you finish reading, be sure to check your accuracy.
