What is a gist statement?

the essential message of a text using fewer than 20 words
the main idea in an article using at least two paragraphs
the paraphrase of a poem using one stanza
the outline of directions using a kpl

the purpose for using various methods of eye focus is to

slow down the speed of your reading
train you to read each word in parts
distort the text you are reading
increase your rate of reading