Pre-reading your text is one of the simplest ways to give yourself an advantage as you synthesize new information in your course. Pre-reading textbooks:
Supports comprehension
Reduces the amount of rereading that is required
Identifies the important topics covered in the book
Shows the organization of the content
Below are descriptions of the sections of the three main areas of a textbook: the beginning matter, the body elements, and the end matter. Ensure that you take the time to “get to know” your text, how it presents information, and what keys it gives you to sorting through and understanding the most important content elements.
Table of Contents – gives an overview of features, chapters, and topics.
Student information section – provides ideas for students on how to use the text to the best advantage.
Preface – explains the purposes and approach of the book.
Chapter title – establishes the topic.
Chapter introduction and/or objectives – outlines key ideas in the chapter.
Headings and subheadings – show how main topics and subpoints are ordered.
Graphic aids – organize and categorize important information in tables, diagrams, photographs, boxed items, figures, and bulleted lists.
Type/print style used – shows importance of words/ideas with font features such as size, boldface, italics, and underlining.
Sidebars – define important words and concepts.
Chapter summary – reviews the main ideas and lists review questions and important vocabulary. Provides a review of the content of the chapter.
Glossary – an alphabetical listing of terms used in the text. Reading through the glossary can gives you a good review of the most important content in the textbook.
Index – an alphabetical list of topics covered and the page number where it can be located.
Bibliography – a reference list where additional readings can be found
