Start at the beginning doesn’t focus on the little details though! Concentrate on the bigger picture highlight the important facts that you think could be on the test. Also remember to look closely at the vocabulary! It will obviously help your understanding if you know what a word means.Read the chapter summaries (they usually do a good job at summarizing the important points). If there are no chapter summaries, then skim through the text and write down key ideas. Make good notes and taking skills .