Reading Skills | 1

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Easier - There are different styles of reading for different situations. The technique

you choose will depend on the purpose for reading. For example, you might be

reading for enjoyment, information, or to complete a task. If you are exploring or

reviewing, you might skim a document. If you're searching for information, you

might scan for a particular word. You need to adjust your reading speed and

technique depending on your purpose.

Many people consider skimming and scanning search techniques rather than

reading strategies. However when reading large volumes of information, they may

be more practical than reading. For example, you might be searching for specific

information, looking for clues, or reviewing information.

Harder - Web pages, novels, textbooks, manuals, magazines, newspapers, and

mail are just a few of the things that people read every day. Effective and efficient

readers learn to use many styles of reading for different purposes. Skimming,

scanning, and critical reading are different styles of reading and information

processing.

Skimming is used to quickly identify the main ideas of a text. When you read the

newspaper, you're probably not reading it word-by-word, instead you're scanning

the text. Skimming is done at a speed three to four times faster than normal

reading. People often skim when they have lots of material to read in a limited

amount of time. Use skimming when you want to see if an article may be of

interest in your research.

There are many strategies that can be used when skimming. Some people read the

first and last paragraphs using headings, summarizes and other organizers as they

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move down the page or screen. You might read the title, subtitles, subheading,

and illustrations. Consider reading the first sentence of each paragraph. This

technique is useful when you're seeking specific information rather than reading

for comprehension. Skimming works well to find dates, names, and places. It

might be used to review graphs, tables, and charts.

How to Skim:

Read the title.

Read the introduction or the first paragraph.

Read the first sentence of every other paragraph.

Read any headings and sub-headings.

Notice any pictures, charts, or graphs.

Notice any italicized or boldface words or phrases.

Read the summary or last paragraph

Scanning is a technique you often use when looking up a word in the telephone

book or dictionary. You search for key words or ideas. In most cases, you know

what you're looking for, so you're concentrating on finding a particular answer.

Scanning involves moving your eyes quickly down the page seeking specific

words and phrases. Scanning is also used when you first find a resource to

determine whether it will answer your questions. Once you've scanned the

document, you might go back and skim it.

When scanning, look for the author's use of organizers such as numbers, letters,

steps, or the words, first, second, or next. Look for words that are bold faced,

italics, or in a different font size, style, or color. Sometimes the author will put

key ideas in the margin.

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Reading off a computer screen has become a growing concern. Research shows

that people have more difficulty reading off a computer screen than off paper.

Although they can read and comprehend at the same rate as paper, skimming on

the computer is much slower than on paper

How to Scan:

State the specific information you are looking for.

Try to anticipate how the answer will appear and what clues you might

use to help you locate the answer. For example, if you were looking for a

certain date, you would quickly read the paragraph looking only for

numbers.

Use headings and any other aids that will help you identify which

sections might contain the information you are looking for.

Selectively read and skip through sections of the passage.

(From College Reading and Study Skills and

Academic Reading and Study Skills for International Students)

EExxeerrcciisseess

1. Find the article about electricity!

2. Work in groups to find main idea of each paragraph using reading

skills!

3. Retell to other group!