1. Ask yourself "Why am I reading this essay?" Understanding your purpose for reading will help you focus your attention and determine what information is most important to you.
2. Skim through subtitles, headings, and the first sentences of paragraphs. This will give you a quick overview of the essay's structure and main points.
3. Highlight important information. This could include key terms, definitions, examples, or arguments.
By following these steps, you can get a good understanding of the essay's content before you start reading in detail. This will help you read more efficiently and effectively.