How I read complex material

When reading complex material I usually start by reading it for what it is. I don't start taking it apart until I have read the whole thing. After that I start to break it down. First focusing on the words or concepts that I don't understand. I start reading the sentences around it and I try to make connections with the material as a whole. I also try to look at it from different points of view. Such as how the writer will look at it. Or how someone who wants to criticize it will look at it. Complex material can be quite challenging but it can be done.