What is the best practice for reading the first paragraph of a passage?

Reading the first paragraph of a passage carefully is essential as it sets the tone and context for the entire piece. This paragraph often introduces the main topic and key ideas that will be developed further in the text. By paying close attention, you can better understand the author's intent and the overall direction of the argument or narrative. This thorough analysis can enhance comprehension and retention as you move through the rest of the passage, allowing you to effectively engage with the material.

In contrast, careless reading might lead to missing crucial information, skimming may overlook detailed nuances that are important to fully grasp the text, and skipping it entirely would result in a lack of foundational understanding, making it challenging to engage with subsequent paragraphs meaningfully. Thus, a careful analysis of the first paragraph is the optimal strategy for maximizing your understanding of the passage.