READING STRATEGIES

- 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. To get detailed information, you might use a technique such as SQ4R. 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.
 
- 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 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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
Skimming

Sometimes you need to get the general idea or gist of a text. The way to do this is not by reading
every word. Few text books were written with your specific course in mind. So you need to adapt
the material to your particular purposes, given the course and the task at hand. Skimming is the
sort of reading which would be appropriate if your tutor asked you to read several books and
articles for the next tutorial. She would not expect you to be able to recite it word for word, but she
will want you to be able to discuss the issues raised.

You might try reading quickly through the table of contents, the preface and the index, then
selecting from the chapter headings. You can then read the first and last paragraphs, and perhaps
the first sentence of each of the other paragraphs. Don't forget to check any diagrams and figures.
You should get about 50% of the meaning from all this and you are then in a good position to see
if you need to employ scanning or detailed reading.

Scanning

You skim read material to get the general picture. To find out precise information you will need to
practise the technique of scanning. You may need to find out specific details of a topic for an
assignment or a task that your lecturer has set. There is little point in skimming a whole book for
this purpose. You should identify a few key expressions which will alert you to the fact that your
subject is being covered. You can then run your eyes down the page looking for these expressions
- in chapter headings or sub-headings, or in the text itself.

Detailed reading

Some subjects such as law subjects and literature, for example, require a very detailed
understanding from the student. This kind of reading is always more time consuming, but can be
combined with skimming and scanning for greater efficiency. If it is a photocopy or your own book,
take full advantage by underlining or highlighting and using the margins for your own comments or
questions.

Revision reading

This involves reading rapidly through material with which you are already familiar, in order to
confirm knowledge and understanding. Maybe summarise main points on to small system cards
(these can be bought at any newsagent's and then be carried around).

Stages in reading a text

In order to read more effectively, it is vital to become a more self-conscious reader. You need to
understand what you are doing when you use different reading techniques for different purposes
and texts, and to practise these particular reading skills. You must always read for a clearly
defined purpose and adapt your reading strategies to that purpose.

It is important to break down the reading process into the following stages: before reading, during
reading and after reading.

Before reading you need to survey the text so that you can get an overview of the book, article or
section.

 understand the title

 examine the organisation of the information in the table of contents
 read headings and subheadings
 look at graphs, diagrams, tables
 read any questions or summaries at the end of the chapter
 read the introduction and conclusion
 read the first sentence in each paragraph

Now you are ready to read in detail the section/s which are relevant to your purpose.

As you read you must closely follow the development of the ideas in the text.

 avoid the temptation to ready every word

 read actively - write in the margins, highlight phrases, write summaries, take note of major
and minor points
  read critically - Ask yourself questions; for example, is the argument logical? is it biased? is
there enough evidence to support the author's conclusions? is the information dated?

After you read you must think over what you have read. Make a brief summary of the main ideas
and concepts in the text.

REVIEW OF READING STRATEGIES

Ask yourself this question: Do I read every word in your own language when I am reading a schedule,
summary, or other outlining document?

The answer is most definitely: No! Reading in English is like reading in your native language. This
means that it is not always necessary to read and understand each and every word in English.
Remember that reading skills in your native language and English are basically the same.

Here is a quick overview of the four types of reading skills used in every language:

Skimming - used to understand the "gist" or main idea Scanning - used to find a particular piece of
information Extensive reading - used for pleasure and general understanding Intensive reading -
accurate reading for detailed understanding

Skimming

Skimming is used to quickly gather the most important information, or 'gist'. Run your eyes over the
text, noting important information. Use skimming to quickly get up to speed on a current business
situation. It's not essential to understand each word when skimming.

Examples of Skimming:

 The Newspaper (quickly to get the general news of the day)

 Magazines (quickly to discover which articles you would like to read in more detail )
 Business and Travel Brochures (quickly to get informed)

Scanning

Scanning is used to find a particular piece of information. Run your eyes over the text looking for the
specific piece of information you need. Use scanning on schedules, meeting plans, etc. in order to find
the specific details you require. If you see words or phrases that you don't understand, don't worry
when scanning.

Examples of Scanning

 The "What's on TV" section of your newspaper.

 A train / airplane schedule
 A conference guide

Extensive reading

Extensive reading is used to obtain a general understanding of a subject and includes reading longer
texts for pleasure, as well as business books. Use extensive reading skills to improve your general
knowledge of business procedures. Do not worry if you understand each word.

Examples of Extensive Reading

 The latest marketing strategy book
 A novel you read before going to bed
 Magazine articles that interest you

Intensive reading

Intensive reading is used on shorter texts in order to extract specific information. It includes very close
accurate reading for detail. Use intensive reading skills to grasp the details of a specific situation. In
this case, it is important that you understand each word, number or fact.

Examples of Intensive Reading

 A bookkeeping report
 An insurance claim
 A contract