Module 2
- 1. Skimming When you SKIM, you read quickly to get the main idea of a paragraph, page, chapter, or article, and a few (but not all) of the details. Skimming allows you to read quickly to get a general sense of a text so that you can decide whether it has useful information for you. You may also skim to get a key idea.
- 2. 1. Read the first few paragraphs, two or three middle paragraphs, and the final two or three paragraphs of a piece, trying to get a basic understanding of the information. 2. Some people prefer to skim by reading the first and last sentence of each paragraph, that is, the topic sentences and concluding sentences. 3. If there are pictures, diagrams, or charts, a quick glance at them and their captions may help you to understand the main idea or point of view in the text 4. Remember: You do not have to read every word when you skim. 5. Generally, move your eyes horizontally (and quickly) when you skim.
- 3. Scanning When you SCAN, you move your eyes quickly down a page or list to find one specific detail. Scanning allows you to locate quickly a single fact, date, name, or word in a text without trying to read or understand the rest of the piece. You may need that fact or word later to respond to a question or to add a specific detail to something you are writing.
- 4. 1. Knowing your text well is important. Make a prediction about where in a chapter you might find the word, name, fact, term, or date. 2. Note how the information is arranged on a page. Will headings, diagrams, or boxed or highlighted items guide you? Is information arranged alphabetically or numerically as it might be in a telephone book or glossary? 3. Move your eyes vertically or diagonally down the page. Look for other closely associated words that might steer you towards the detail for which you are looking.
- 5. The unfamiliar word is specifically defined in the sentence, or in the preceding or following sentences. The unfamiliar word is illustrated by one or more examples. Characteristics or features of the unfamiliar word are described. The unfamiliar word is shown in a diagram, picture or map. The meaning of the unfamiliar word is restated in slightly different language, summarized, or paraphrased. The meaning of the unfamiliar word is provided in parentheses directly following the word.
- 6. The meaning of the unfamiliar word is provided by contrasting or comparing it to another word, phrase or concept. Additional information about the unfamiliar word is provided in the following sentences and paragraphs. This may be a description of a related event, process or product, or a question prompt. Design features draw attention to important words and concepts, and to their definitions.
- 7. •“is” or “which means” •commas that set off a qualifying phrase “for example,” “including,” or “such as” •pictures or diagrams •descriptive words •sensory words • “see figure 2.1” •graphic features on the page •“in other words,” “simply,” “clearly” (......) “such as,” “like,” “compared to,” “unlike” or “similar to” “in addition,” “another,” or “consequently” •bold, italics, and other embellishments •charts