* Skimming the title and headings: Get an initial idea of the essay's topic and structure.
* Reading the first paragraph (introduction): This often includes the thesis statement, which outlines the main argument of the essay.
* Scanning the conclusion: Get a sense of the author's final thoughts and key takeaways.
This previewing stage allows the reader to form initial questions, activate prior knowledge, and set a purpose for reading, making the reading experience more focused and engaging.