This method makes a visible record of your thinking as you read. When you’re finished, you have a map of the important information. Written previewing is similar to skimming, but provides visible support for remembering & locating information. The worksheet is a template, so once you’ve opened it, you can add or delete as you go. When you’re finished, save as a document.

Basically, you go through the reading, recording structural information and important facts as you write questions. When you’re finished, you go back & read the article, recording the answers to your questions. Having the worksheet allows you to review several articles/chapters quickly and find what you need as you write your paper or study for tests, presentations, etc.

The worksheet is set up for chapters. If you are reading a book, you use one worksheet for each chapter. Not every article or chapter follows this format, so adapt as you go.

Citation/Location Information: Record the citation in the format your instructor requires. When you write your paper, you can just cut & paste. 

Sometimes, an article that seemed useless becomes important as you develop your paper.  The location info tells you where to find the source (library, database, etc.) if you need to go back to the material later. 

Intro/1st paragraph:  Why are they writing this for you to read? The introduction/conclusion (first/last paragraphs) usually have the “take-away” information. Asking yourself what you already know activates prior knowledge.

The first few times you preview, the question/answer format can feel really artificial. It helps, though, because the questions set up the answers, and the answers are the “map” of what you got from the reading. Write your question, and then go on to the subtitles. (If you’re stuck thinking of a question, start with a question word – who/what/why/how/when/where.)

Subtitles: Record the subtitle & write a question. Go on to the next subtitle, repeat, & continue to the end of the reading. Not every book or article uses subtitles-- when this happens, use your judgment about substituting first sentences in paragraphs. You probably won’t want to record the first sentence of every paragraph – skim for sentences that indicate a change or development of the author’s thought. Bold, underlined, or italicized print is an indication that you should look for important information.

Conclusion:  What is the major thought the author leaves you with? Once you’ve recorded that idea, look back at what you have so far. Are any patterns emerging? Do you see areas you are likely to find confusing?

Pictures/Maps/Charts:  These things tend to be “information dense.” You can summarize centuries of data in a relatively small graph! Pay close attention to get all the information you can out of them. If you’re lucky, the graphic information will sum up the whole article for you.

Vocabulary:  Some mammoth texts will give you a vocabulary list. Otherwise look for bolded/underlined/italicized words. Of course, you should record any words you don’t know. Record the word in context (the phrase or sentence where you found it) and the write the meaning.

Study Questions:  Textbooks and books designed for professional study often have study or discussion questions. Record these – and leave room for the answers.  If your instructor had guiding questions you can use those. And if you’re researching for a paper, you should use the guiding question(s) for your paper.

Customizing your preview: This format is one-size-fits-most.  You may need to emphasize dates, connections among people or ideas, thoughts for further research, assertions you want to check (scholarly writers have been known to use selective interpretation, fudge information, or just plain lie).  Change the form to suit your needs, and then save it as a template so you can use it as often as you need to.

Now – go back and actually READ/skim the chapter or article. Record your answers as you go. You now have a completed map of your reading with your studying also recorded. Check for “fit” – does your map match your impression of the reading? Re-read small sections if there is confusion, or make notes on your worksheet. I remember better what I write by hand, so I print a blank worksheet and fill in as I go.

Won’t this take FOREVER?  Heck, no – would we do that to you? It can be slow the first couple of times you do it. But you can usually get the preview done in 10 to 20 minutes (depending on length and complexity of the reading) and then you only have to read the article ONCE to have all your information. If the author is well organized, you may be able to skim, rather than read every word. The more you use written previewing, the faster it gets.

If you develop a more specific template, or a better one, please share – we can all help each other!

Shedd 04/2014