meeting 2_skimming and predicting general idea of text_2

EAP 1 

Meeting 2Skimming & Predicting General iIdea of Text

ignasia_y@ukrida.ac.id

Sub Topics

• Skimming• Predicting general idea of text

Learning Objectives

• Predict the content of academic text

What is skimming?• Skimming is a method of rapidly moving theeyes over text with the purpose of getting onlythe main ideas and a general overview of thecontent.

• Mastering the art of skimming effectivelyrequires that you use it as frequently aspossible.

• Skimming can usually be accomplished atabout 1000 words per minute.

Skimming is helpful in three different situations:

• Pre‐readingSkimming is more thorough than simplepreviewing and can give a more accuratepicture of text to be read later.

• ReviewingSkimming is useful for reviewing text alreadyread

Steps in skimming article

1. Read the title – it is the shortest possiblesummary of the content.

2. Read the introduction or lead in paragraph3. Read the first paragraph completely4. If there are subheadings, read each one, and

looking for relationships among them.

Steps in skimming article5. Read the first sentence of each remainingparagraph.‐ the main idea of most paragraphs appears inthe first sentence

‐ if the author’s pattern is to begin with aquestion or anecdote, you may find the lastsentence more.

Steps in skimming article6. Dip into the text looking for:‐ clue words that answer who, what, why,when, how‐ proper nouns‐ unusual words, especially if capitalized‐ enumerations (mention one by one)‐ qualifying adjectives (best, worst, most, etc)‐ typographical cues – italics, boldface,underlyning, asterisks, etc.

Steps in skimming article

7. Read the final paragraph completely.

Skimming Practice ‐ 1Read in 1 minute!

Size matters Here’s something to think about the next time you goshopping. Have you ever noticed how many trolleys areavailable when you go to the supermarket? In myexperience, it seems like hundreds! But how about thenumber of hand baskets? Invariably I struggle to find evenone, especially when I only need a few items. Why mightthis be the case? Well it seems to be a tactic used toencourage us to buy more. If you are walking around withan empty trolley, you are more tempted to fill it, so if youa planning on only doing a quick shop, always try to find abasket. It will be lighter, easier to use and is sure to saveyou money!

Skimming PracticeAnswer the following questions!1. What can you find in large numbers at a

supermarket?You can always find large numbers of trolleysat a supermarket.

2. Why can this be a problem?It can be a problem because you might onlywant a few things but be tempted to buymore because of the room in the trolley.

Skimming Practice ‐ 13. How can you avoid spending more than youplanned if you only need a few items?Always try to use a shopping basket instead ofa trolley.

4. Why is it a good idea to use a basket insteadof a trolley?It is a good idea because a basket is lighter,easier to use and may even save you money.

Skimming Practice ‐ 2Choose the best headline!

Skimming Practice ‐ 2Choose the best headline!

A Sad Goodbye

Skimming Practice ‐ 2Choose the best headline!

Family Movies are Back

Skimming Practice ‐ 2Choose the best headline!

New Artists Show Their Works

Skimming Practice ‐ 2Choose the best headline!

A Night of Brazilian Music

Skimming Practice ‐ 2Choose the best headline!

Dining Mexican Style

Predicting General Idea• Making guesses about what you are going to

read• Use the information you learned from

previewing and your own knowledge to makepredictions about the reading.

Predicting General Idea Practice 

1. Work in pairs to read text, tell, and retell thetext to your partner!

2. Take turns reporting your generalunderstanding of text to class!

Pajama Education

References

• Blanchard, K and Root, C. (2005). Get Ready To Read. New York: Longman.

• http://www.aacc.edu/