When reading at this level, the student is allowed a set time to complete an assigned amount of reading.

This level of reading answers the question, "what is the book about?" and "what is the structure of the book?".

There are two aspects of inspections reading

PreReading:

This is the first subtype of inspectional reading which is the second level of reading according to How To Read a Book.

Steps

1. Look at the title page and the preface (if there is one). Use this information to shed light on the subject of the book and genre.
2. Study the table of contents to get a sense of the books structure.
3. Check the index to get a feel for the range of topics and perhaps looks up some of the passages cited.
4. Read the publishers blurb
5. Look now at the chapters that seem pivotal to the argument.
6. Dip through the book reading a chapter or page here and there. Do not fail to read the last couple page or so. Often times the author will summarize and discuss the larger importance of the issue or implications.

Superficial reading

In tackling a difficult book for the first time, read it through without ever stopping to look up or ponder the things you do not understand right away. (pg. 36)