Understand the organizational features and structures in a text, including headings and bullet points

Understanding Organisational Features

Pay attention to titles and subheadings as they usually indicate the main topic or idea of the section underneath. Use them to predict what the section will be about.
Notice the use of bold, italics, or underline in the text. These formatting choices often highlight key points, helping you recognise significant ideas or definitions.
Look for textual layout choices such as spacing and indentation, as these can indicate new topics or subtopics.
Examine graphs, charts, diagrams, or images within the text in relation to their captions and surrounding text. They often provide added information or further clarification.

Understanding and Using Bullet Points

Comprehend the role of bullet points is to simplify complex information. They break down data, details, or actions into manageable pieces.
Each bullet point makes a discrete point. They package information in a way that it can be easily recalled or analysed.
In lists featuring bullet points, the order of the points may be essential. For example, the sequence can show you a set of steps to be done in order, or a list from most to least important.

Analysing Structure

Note the chronological order in the text, such as events described from beginning to end (like a novel), or recommendations given from initial step to final action.
Detect causal relationships. Some texts use a cause-and-effect structure, which can demonstrate the reason behind certain outcomes.
Look for compare-and-contrast structures. Here, the text examines the similarities or differences between two or more things.
Appreciate that a problem-solution structure presents an issue, then proposes one or more solutions, followed sometimes by an analysis of the solution’s potential effects.

Remember, understanding the layout, features, and organisation of a text can significantly make reading comprehension more straightforward. By recognising these structures, you can anticipate what you’re about to read, which aids your understanding and retention.