LENGUAS EXTRANJERAS – PLAN 2008 1

READING SKILLS

Part I.

1. Before reading, prepare a KWL Chart, stating what you already KNOW about the topic and
what you WANT TO KNOW. After reading you will complete with the information you have
LEARNED.

READING SKILLS

A. _____________________

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.

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.

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.

B. _______________________

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 move down the page or
screen. You might read the title, subtitles, subheading, and illustrations. Consider reading the first
sentence of each paragraph.

C._________________________
 LENGUAS EXTRANJERAS – PLAN 2008 2

READING SKILLS

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.

D._____________________________

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.

(Adapted from: “Skimming and Scanning” http://42explore.com)

2.Answer the following questions about the text above:

1. What is SKIMMING?

_______________________________________________________________________________

2. What is SCANNING?

_______________________________________________________________________________

3. What has been proved about reading online?

_______________________________________________________________________________
 LENGUAS EXTRANJERAS – PLAN 2008 3

READING SKILLS

3. Give a suitable heading for each part. Choose from the ones stated below. Be careful, there is
an extra option.

1. Conclusion 4. Skimming and scanning

2. The importance of skimming

3. To skim or not to skim5. When to scan

4. Find at least two words (adjectives) that have been used to make comparisons.
Which suffix do these words have? Why?

_______________________ ________________________

5. Now you are ready to fully complete your KWL chart.

 LENGUAS EXTRANJERAS – PLAN 2008 4

READING SKILLS

Part II

1. Read the instructions below and think of the different purposes a graphic
organizer may have.

A KWL chart is a graphic organizer you can always use to state the new information you
may have got from a reading passage. GRAPHIC ORGANIZERS are a very useful way of
organizing data from a text. You can find different types of them at:

http://www.teachervision.fen.com/graphic-organizers/printable/6293.html

http://www.eduplace.com/graphicorganizer/

2. After reading those websites, please keep on connected and find some academic
texts at the following link:

http://www.uefap.com/reading/strat/strfram.htm

3. Choose a text to fit your professional interests and

a. Prepare four questions that can be answered using scanning.

b. Make four questions to be answered using skimming.

c. List at least 15 words which are similar to Spanish.

d. Find no more than two concepts that you really need to look up in a dictionary
their definition.

e. Choose a graphic organizer design to summarize the selected text.