Get the Big Picture Fast

Previewing means looking at titles, headings, pictures, or summaries before reading. Skimming is reading quickly to get the main idea without focusing on every word.

How to Use This Strategy

• Look at headings and highlighted words to predict what the text is about.
• Skim the first sentence of each paragraph to find the main ideas.

Why It Helps

Previewing and skimming save time and help you focus on the most important information.