Surveying in Essay Reading Techniques
Surveying is the initial stage of effective essay reading techniques, acting as a quick overview before delving into the deeper analysis. It's like a reconnaissance mission before going into battle.
Here's a breakdown of what surveying involves:
1. Get the Big Picture:
* Title: Analyze the title for its main idea and potential arguments.
* Author: Check the author's credentials and potential bias.
* Introduction: Read the introductory paragraph to understand the essay's purpose, thesis statement, and scope.
* Conclusion: Skim the conclusion to grasp the key takeaway and summary of the argument.
2. Scan the Structure:
* Headings and Subheadings: Identify the main sections and their respective topics.
* Paragraph Length: Notice if paragraphs are short or long, indicating the level of detail within each section.
* Visuals: Observe charts, graphs, or images to understand their role in supporting the essay's argument.
3. Make Predictions:
* Based on the initial information, form hypotheses about the essay's content and potential arguments.
* Consider what the author might argue, what evidence they could use, and what counterarguments might be presented.
4. Set Your Reading Goals:
* Determine the purpose of your reading. Do you need to analyze the argument, understand the key points, or prepare for a discussion?
* Prioritize your focus based on your goals.
Benefits of Surveying:
* Saves Time: Surveying helps you quickly grasp the essay's essence and identify key sections, saving time you'd spend on unnecessary details.
* Improves Comprehension: Knowing the overall structure and key arguments helps you better understand the essay's flow and reasoning.
* Guides Deeper Analysis: The information gathered during surveying informs your subsequent reading and note-taking strategies.
Surveying is not about understanding every single detail, but about getting a clear picture of the essay's overall message and structure. It's a crucial step in active reading that sets you up for a more focused and meaningful engagement with the text.