Place each section and chapter into the framework of the main idea. Identify key concepts and examples that illustrate the main idea. Determine the politics and interpretive school of the author. Peruse the notes to get some idea of the type and variety of sources used. Does one paragraph lead to another in a logical progression.
Simple past is best.
Avoid the passive voice. Avoid repeated words and phrases. Determine the amount of time and the relative weight of the questions. Apportion your time appropriately. Examine the quotation.