The good news: You do not have to read every article word-for word!
It is very possible to get a good understanding of the gist of an article by reading only certain sections. Scholarly articles are usually organized in predictable ways. By targeting the article sections that contain the most important information, you can learn what the article is all about without reading it all.
You will want to read more closely later when the need warrants it, but knowing how to skim quickly yet accurately is a huge help.
1. Abstract
For the sciences: You probably have already read the abstract when you saved the article, but read it again to remind yourself what the article is all about. If it sounds relevant, proceed to the next recommended section.
For the humanities: If there is an abstract, read it. If there is not an abstract, check the first couple of paragraphs of the introduction. Scan any section headers if the article to see what will be covered.
2. Introduction
For the sciences: Look for the author's research question. What exactly is the article trying to answer?
For the humanities: Find the main thesis, usually near the end of the introduction. What is the authors going to discuss?
3. Discussion/Conclusion
For the sciences: The end of the results or sometimes the Discussion summarizes the findings. What did the author find out? How does it apply to what you want to know? Can you use these conclusions to support or refute your own research?
For the humanities: Pay special attention to the end of each discussion section. This usually summarizes the main point of the preceeding discussion section.
For the sciences: Check the Methods to see how the authors set up their research study. Reread the Results and examine the data more closely noting any details that seem interesting or particularly relevant.
For the humanities: Read the discussion in order as presented to follow the logic. See if you would come to the same conclusions as the author, or if you agree with the opinons.
Literature review
For the sciences: The literature review is a defined section after the Introduction. If the article is interesting and you would like more sources like it, scan the Literature Review for other possibilities.
For the humanities: Literature may be cited through the article. Note any that seem valuable to you and consider using them as sources related to your own interest.
Finally, re-read the whole article
for those that are particularly relevant to get a deeper understanding of the complete piece.