What is the most effective reading strategy for previewing a chapter in a content-area textbook?

The most effective reading strategy for previewing a chapter in a content-area textbook is skimming. This technique allows readers to quickly grasp the main ideas, topics, and structure of the chapter without getting bogged down by details. By skimming, students can identify headings, subheadings, images, and any highlighted terms or definitions that signal important content. This initial overview helps set the stage for deeper comprehension when they later engage in a more thorough reading.

Other strategies, such as close reading the entire chapter, while beneficial for deep understanding, may not be practical for previewing, as they require more time and focus than a swift overview allows. Taking detailed notes on key sections is typically done during or after a thorough reading rather than as part of the preview process. Reading aloud can enhance comprehension, but it is less efficient for quickly previewing the content. Skimming serves as an ideal strategy to prepare for focused study by highlighting what to look for in the details later on.