Skimming
Objectives
Student will be able to:
apply skimming techniques to find the main idea.
apply skimming techniques to locate specific information.
Introduction
Skimming
is a previewing technique that readers use to quickly read over a text to find the main idea. It can also be used to help readers cover a lot of material in a short amount of time. By skimming a text, the reader will also gain a sense of the text's organization and other text features.
Try using skimming at the library to determine if a book is of interest to you. Skimming will help you to explore new topics or to review those with which you are already familiar.
When you skim, you should:
Read the title and introductory paragraph. Also, read any headings, subheadings, and the concluding paragraph.
Pay attention to words that are
boldfaced
,
underlined
, or
italicized
.
Look over any lists, charts, or other graphics that accompany the text.
Notice names, dates, and places that are included in the text.
Let's look at an example of when skimming might come in handy.
You are in English class, and your teacher announces that there are only five minutes remaining to finalize your topic idea for a book project. You are troubled since you cannot think of a good topic for your project. Your teacher has displayed over 20 sample book projects, hoping to give the class some good ideas.
You skim through some of the displayed samples. Suddenly, you find one that looks interesting based on the title. As you skim the sample project report, an idea begins to form in your mind. While flipping through its pages, you make mental notes of the overall format and content that you will need to include in your book project. You confidently walk up to your teacher and share with her your brilliant idea. Thank goodness you knew how to skim!
This lesson will help you practice the techniques of skimming during reading.
Examples
Skim the passage "The Longest River in the World." Look for key words or phrases to find the main idea and important details. Then answer the questions that follow.
1.
From skimming the article, what did you learn about the main idea?
While skimming you should have noticed that this passage
contains facts about the Nile River
, including its length and location.
2.
Based on the title and your skimming of the passage, what can you assume will NOT be described in the text?
a.
the different cultures in Africa
b.
the length of the Nile River
c.
the way the river is used in Africa
d.
the origins of the river's name
Did you select "a" as your answer? If so, you are correct!
If not, skim the article again, you will see that there is no mention of the different cultures in Africa.
Try Together
Skim the passage "The Largest Waterfall in the World." Be sure to read the introductory and concluding paragraphs as well as the topic sentences of each paragraph.
Using only the information that you gathered from skimming, answer as many of the questions below as possible. Leave blank any you are unable to answer.
1.
Who discovered the majestic Victoria Falls?
David Livingstone discovered Victoria Falls.
2.
Why were the falls named Victoria?
The falls were named after the British monarch, Queen Victoria.
3.
What is the great river that divides the two African countries of Zambia and Zimbabwe?
The Zambezi River divides the two African countries of Zambia and Zimbabwe.
4.
How far does the waterfall plunge into the abyss?
a.
306 feet
b.
360 feet
c.
603 feet
d.
630 feet
b. 360 feet
5.
In what year was the railway constructed at Victoria Falls?
a.
1805
b.
1855
c.
1904
d.
1940
c. 1904
6.
List one activity that could you do while visiting Victoria Park.
Student responses may vary. Acceptable answers include:
whitewater rafting
kayaking
canoeing
fishing
horseback riding
dining on Livingstone's Island
Now go back and read the passage to respond to the questions you left unanswered.
Please evaluate the student's answers:
Excellent
Good
Okay
Exhibit Preview
Close
David Livingstone, a Scottish missionary and physician, spent half of his life exploring the vast continent of Africa. In 1855, he became the first European to observe a magical African waterfall that defied description. Livingstone followed along the Zambezi River in central Africa and observed how the river spanned distances over a mile wide. Along the way, he discovered that the river plunged 360 feet into a terrifying abyss that separated two African nations, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Livingstone named the legendary falls after the British monarch, Queen Victoria. Europeans and people from all over the world traveled great distances to see this natural wonder.
Today, people still travel great distances to see Victoria Falls. The thunderous waterfall ranks as the largest fall in the world. Victoria Falls is surrounded by a forested national park that contains tranquil lagoons where hippos and deadly crocodiles lurk. Visitors and adventurers to the park can observe the cascading natural splendor. The railway, which was constructed at Victoria Falls in 1904, bridged the gap between the two opposing sides. The railway brought a new flood of visitors to the falls and the modern tourist era is said to date from then.
Many adventure seekers travel to the Victoria Falls region to partake in different thrilling activities. New activities are constantly developing, such as whitewater rafting, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, horseback riding, and dining on Livingstone's Island. The awesome magic of this waterfall is said to be an unforgettable spectacle.
Exhibit Preview
Close
Do you know the location of the longest river in the world? The river is located in Africa and its original Greek name was Neilos. Today, the longest river is referred to as
the Nile River
. This amazing river flows in a northward direction from Burundi in Central Africa toward northeast Egypt where the river eventually drains into the Mediterranean Sea. The length of the river measures
4,160 miles
(6,695 km).
Despite Africa's high temperatures, the river is a constant source of water that supports agriculture and provides transportation for Africans. Researchers believe that the Nile originated 30 million years ago and has evolved into seven major river regions that sustain the people and wildlife of Africa.
Exhibit Preview
Close
surrounded by a forested national park that contains tranquil lagoons where hippos and deadly crocodiles lurk. Visitors and adventurers to the park can observe the cascading natural splendor. The railway, which was constructed at Victoria Falls in 1904, bridged the gap between the two opposing sides. The railway brought a new flood of visitors to the falls and the modern tourist era is said to date from then.
Many adventure seekers travel to the Victoria Falls region to partake in different thrilling activities. New activities are constantly developing, such as whitewater rafting, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, horseback riding, and dining on Livingstone's Island. The awesome magic of this waterfall is said to be an unforgettable spectacle.