Improve Reading Skills

Improve Reading Skills
By Kenneth Beare, About.com Guide
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
You can use these reading skills in a number of ways to improve other areas of English learning such as pronunciation, grammar and increasing vocabulary.

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
Choose the best response for each question. Each question has only one correct answer. When you are finished click on the "Next Question" button. There are 15 questions to this quiz. Try to use only 30 seconds per question. At the end of the quiz, you will receive quiz feedback.

Q: Do you read every word in every document in your native language?
Yes
No
Of course!


Q: Are reading skills in your native language and English similar?
Yes
No
They are completely different.

Q: Skimming is:
used to understand the "gist".
used to find a particular piece of information.
used for pleasure and general understanding.

Q: Scanning is:
used to understand the "gist".
used to find a particular piece of information.
used for pleasure and general understanding.

Q: Extensive reading is:
used to understand the "gist".
used to find a particular piece of information.
used for pleasure and general understanding.
Q: Intensive reading is:
used to get a general idea.
used to find specific information.
used when reading for pleasure.

Q: Use _______ to find a train departure time on a schedule.
skimming
scanning
extensive reading

Q: Reading a business brochure to get a general idea of a business is:
skimming
scanning
extensive reading

Q: Finding your favorite TV show is an example of:
skimming
scanning
extensive reading

Q: You should:
understand each and every word when skimming and scanning.
not worry about understanding each and every word when skimming and scanning.
. always understand each and every word when reading anything in English.

Q: Use ________ skills when reading a novel in your free time.
skimming
extensive reading
intensive reading

Q: Use ________ skills when reading a contract you are about to sign.
skimming
extensive reading
intensive reading

Q: Use ________ skills when reading the latest financial figures from your company.
skimming
extensive reading
intensive reading
Q: You should:
understand each and every word when reading an insurance claim.
not worry about understanding each and every word when reading an insurance claim.
always understand each and every word when reading anything in English.

Q: You should:
understand each and every word when reading a novel in your free time.
not worry about understanding each when reading a novel in your free time.
look up each word you do not understand when reading a novel in your free time.