What is the purpose of a table of contents in a book?

The purpose of a table of contents in a book is to outline the chapters and sections, providing readers with a structured overview of the content. It acts as a roadmap, helping readers navigate through various topics and locate specific information easily. By listing the titles of chapters or sections along with their corresponding page numbers, the table of contents enhances usability and organization, making it simpler for readers to decide where to focus their attention or to find particular areas of interest within the book. This is especially important in educational materials or comprehensive texts where the content is divided into multiple segments.