4] The first pass

Purpose: Get the bigger picture

Time frame: 5-10 minutes

What to do: 

·       Read the title, abstract, introduction & conclusion

·       Read headings & sub-headings

·       Glance at graphs, tables & images

·       Take note of relevant references

·       Ignore the rest of the content

·       Answer the 5 C's [See next idea]

·       Decide whether you need to invest more energy in the article based on the 5 C's