As you begin to read, be sure to learn more about the textbook and its author by reading the sections at the beginning of the book, such as the preface, foreword, introduction, and the author’s biographical sketch. The preface, which is a brief overview near the beginning of a book, is usually written by the author(s) and will tell you why they wrote the book and what material the book covers. It will also explain the book’s organizational structure and give insight into the author’s viewpoint—all of which can help you see the relationships among the facts presented and comprehend the ideas discussed throughout the book. Reading the preface can come in handy if you are feeling a little lost at different points in the term. The preface often lays out the tools available in each chapter to guide you through the content, so if you find yourself struggling with the reading, be sure you go back and read this section.

The foreword is often an endorsement of the book written by someone other than the author. Some books have an additional introduction that describes the book’s overall organization and its contents, often chapter by chapter. Some textbooks include study questions at the end of each chapter. Take time to read and respond to these questions, whether or not your instructor requires you to do so.