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Before a trip, you check the route and the weather. Do the same before you read. With four quick pre-reading steps—set your purpose, preview the layout, recall what you know, and predict the author's answer—you tell your brain what to notice and what to ignore. This approach transforms passive reading into an active, efficient process that saves time and boosts retention.
Most students dive straight into dense text, treating every word with equal weight. But your brain isn't designed to absorb information that way. It needs direction, context, and engagement. These four preparation steps take just a few minutes but dramatically improve how much you understand and remember.
Set Your Purpose
Before you read a single sentence, ask yourself: why am I here? Are you trying to:
- Learn a specific method or technique
- Check a claim or verify facts
- Gather examples for an essay
- Understand a concept for an exam
Your purpose acts like a filter. It tells your brain which details matter and which can be skimmed. Without this clarity, you'll treat every paragraph as equally important—and end up exhausted with little to show for it. A clear purpose narrows your focus and gives your reading session direction.
Preview the Structure
Now scan the landscape before you travel through it. Look at the title, headings, subheadings, and any bold text. Glance at the introduction and conclusion. Check for diagrams, tables, or highlighted sections.
This preview shows you the terrain. You'll see where the author is going, which sections are dense, and where the key points live. Previewing transforms a mysterious block of text into a familiar map. You'll know which areas deserve your full attention and which can be skimmed quickly.
Recall What You Know
Before you read the author's explanation, bring up your own knowledge. What do you already know about this topic? Even vague memories or half-formed ideas count. This step is crucial because new information sticks better when it connects to existing knowledge.
Think of your memory as a web. The more connections you create, the stronger the structure becomes. By actively recalling what you know, you're preparing landing spots for new ideas. When you encounter the author's explanation, your brain will recognise familiar patterns and slot new details into place far more easily.
Predict the Content
Finally, make educated guesses about what the author will say. Based on your purpose, the preview, and your prior knowledge, what do you expect to find? What questions might be answered? What arguments might be made?
Prediction feels like playing chess with a book—you're anticipating the next move. Even if your predictions are wrong, they sharpen your attention. When the actual content differs from your guess, the contrast makes the real message stand out. You'll notice key points immediately because they'll either confirm or challenge your expectations. This active engagement transforms you from a passive receiver into an active participant.
Read With Momentum
Once your brain is primed with these four steps, you'll read with purpose and momentum. You'll skim smarter, dive deeper where it matters, and remember more with less effort. A strong start makes the rest of the reading session easier and far more productive.
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