Which of the following steps is NOT part of preparing a slide for microscopy?

When preparing a slide for microscopy, the primary goal is to create a specimen that can be effectively observed under a microscope. Options such as cutting the specimen into small pieces and adding a stain are essential steps in this process. Cutting the specimen allows for thin sections that can be examined in detail, while the stain enhances the visibility of specific features or structures within the specimen.

Covering the specimen with a cover slip is also a critical step, as it helps to flatten and protect the specimen, prevents contamination, and reduces the amount of distortion that can occur when observing the slide.

Placing the slide in the oven to dry is not a standard part of slide preparation for microscopy. While drying may be involved in some specific techniques or when preparing certain types of samples, it is generally not a required step in typical slide preparation for microscopic examination. This makes it the option that does not belong in the sequence of common preparation steps.