Surveying an Essay in the Pre-Reading Stage: A Step-by-Step Guide
Surveying an essay before reading it in detail can significantly enhance your understanding and comprehension. Here's a breakdown of the steps involved:
1. Skim the Title and Subheadings:
* Title: Pay close attention to the title, as it often reveals the essay's main topic or argument. Ask yourself: What is the essay about?
* Subheadings: If present, scan the subheadings to get a sense of the essay's structure and key ideas.
2. Read the First and Last Paragraphs:
* Introduction: The introduction usually presents the essay's main argument or thesis statement, providing a roadmap for the following content.
* Conclusion: The conclusion summarizes the key points and may offer a final thought or call to action.
3. Look for Visual Cues:
* Boldfaced or Italicized Text: These often highlight important terms, phrases, or examples.
* Images, Charts, or Graphs: Analyze these visual elements to see if they provide additional information or context.
4. Identify Key Words and Phrases:
* Repetition: Note any words or phrases that are repeated frequently. These may signal crucial concepts.
* Definitions or Explanations: Pay attention to any unfamiliar terms or ideas that are defined or explained.
5. Predict the Essay's Purpose and Target Audience:
* Purpose: Is the essay persuasive, informative, analytical, or something else?
* Target Audience: Who is the intended audience for this essay? Is it academic, general, or specialized?
6. Formulate Questions:
* Engage with the text: Ask yourself questions about the essay's topic, argument, or potential points of discussion.
* Note these questions: This will help you focus your reading and actively search for answers.
7. Set a Purpose for Reading:
* What do you want to gain from this essay? Are you seeking to learn about a new topic, understand a particular perspective, or critique the author's argument?
By following these steps, you'll gain a comprehensive overview of the essay before delving into the details. This pre-reading strategy allows you to approach the essay with purpose, focus, and understanding.