Skimming and Scanning

Skimming and Scanning
Skimming refers to looking over a text quickly (without reading word for word) to get
the general idea of what the text is about. When we skim, we usually:
 read the title and look at any accompanying visuals
 read the beginning and end of an article, ignoring the details
 read just the first sentence of every paragraph
Scanning refers to looking through a text very quickly to find specific details. For
example, when we are searching for a telephone number in a directory, we scan the
page for the name of the specific person we are looking for. When we scan, we usually:
 have an idea what information we want from the text, and look for content words
or visual clues that signal that information
 read in blocks of words rather than word by word
When scanning, some people find it helpful to run their finger down the middle of the
text while their eyes move back and forth to quickly find the information they are
looking for.
Questions:
1. Getting the main idea of a text by glancing over it in a short time is called ________.
2. Which of the following does NOT involve skimming?

A. reading the initial sentence in each paragraph
B. looking quickly for words you're not familiar with
C. looking at photographs in an article
D. reading the first and last paragraph in a newspaper article
3. People scan a text when they want to find ________ information.
4. People are NOT scanning a text effectively when they ________.

A. look for content words or visual clues
B. read every word in a text
C. know what they are looking for
D. read blocks of words
5. People who find it helpful to use their _______ to guide their eyes would probably not
find it easy when scanning text on a computer screen.
Reading Practice
TEXT A
1. Read the text and add an appropriate heading.
2. Answer the questions below.
Heading:_______________________
Most people take too much when they travel, travel light is the key! Remember you
will have to carry it and heavy luggage soon becomes a nightmare. Take enough
clothes (but not too many), a towel, soap, shampoo and your travel documents and
money.
Answer the following questions

1. What do most people take when they travel? ___________________________
2. What is the best solution? _____________________________
3. Which six items should you take with you?

_________________________________
Text B
1. Read the text and add an appropriate heading

2. Answer the questions below
Heading: Some interesting ______________
The area covers over 2,000 miles and has around 100,000 inhabitants. The coastline
is over 500 miles long and there are 54 islands, 22 of which are inhabited. The
highest mountain is 3,007ft, and the deepest lake is 700ft below sea level.
Answer the following questions

1. What is the area? _______________
2. How many people live there? ______________
3. How long is the coastline? ____________
4. How many islands do people live on? ________
5. What is the highest point? ____________
6. What is the lowest point? ____________

The History of Modern Fashion
Reading Comprehension
Read the text about fashion and answer the questions below.
Fashion – the World Over

1 Today, dedicated followers of fashion look to cities such as New York City, London,
Paris and Milan for their inspiration and to buy the latest trends. The fashion scene
changes with every season and in many countries, this means that there are four
collections – one each for spring, summer, autumn and winter. The concept of fashion
trends developed in the 14th century in Europe, but what about fashion in the rest of
the world?
2 Early Western travellers going to the East noted that fashion styles did not change
rapidly in countries such as Persia, India, China and Japan. However, this was not
always the case as there was also evidence uncovered during the dynasty of Ming
China of rapidly changing fashions in Chinese clothing. History shows us that changes
in costume often took place at times of economic or social change, which occurred in
ancient Rome and the medieval Arabian Peninsula. Then a long period without major
changes would follow.
3 At this time, most weaving, embroidery, cutting and stitching was hand-crafted by
skilled craftsmen and seamstresses. Many textiles originated in countries such as
China, where exquisite silks were produced and Turkey with its rich history of
embroidery and clothing styles influenced by Central Asia and the Far East. Until the
mid-nineteenth century, in Europe and America most clothing was therefore custom-
made by skilled dressmakers and tailors. This meant that following fashion trends was
clearly an expensive past-time.
4 In the twentieth century, mechanised production of textiles and the introduction of

the sewing machine dramatically changed the way fashionable garments were
produced. It led the development of haute couture and, much later, affordable
branded clothing which was the offshoot of haute couture. Mass production meant
that clothing became much cheaper and more widely available, yet at the same time
was easily adapted to meet the designers‟ demands. As economies grew and people
became more affluent, more people could afford to buy designer clothing across the
world.
5 To sum up, fashion is closely interlinked with the history of the world. Periods of rapid
change and movement of people influenced the textiles and styles that people chose
to wear. Nowadays, people are still extremely conscious about the way they dress for
various occasions. Adolescents and young adults feel very strongly about the brands
they wear, whether it is for college, partying or sportswear. Their parents feel the
same about their own designer labels. There are designer or boutique brands all over
the world. In many Asian countries, local designers can charge a small fortune for
exclusive bridal wear, wedding attire and other formal wear.
Choose the best title for each paragraph from A-F below and write the letter in
the numbered box. There is one more title than you need.
A. Origins of textiles
B. Industrialisation
C. Designer companies
D. Modern approach to fashion
E. General information about fashion in Europe.
F. History of clothing in the Orient
Choose the 5 statements from A-H below that are TRUE according to the
information given in the text.
A Fashion designers can be found almost everywhere in the world.

B Many people wear expensive sports gear.
C Mass production has not made designer brands accessible to more people.
D Bridal wear is more often than not exclusively designed.
E Changes in clothing did not coincide with economic and social movement.
F Following fashion trends has not always been easy.
G There were generally few fashion trends in China.
H Many processes were done by machine during the early 20th century
Complete sentences 11-15 with a word, phrase or number from the text
(maximum 3 words). Write the word, phrase or number in the space
provided.
11. Early travellers to the Far East believed that fashion changed
_____________________.
12. Dressmakers and tailors had to be very

_______________________________________.
13. Haute couture was very

____________________________________________________.
14. Designer clothing became more

_____________________________________________.
15. People are still particularly ____________________________ about the way

they dress.
Fashion – the World Over
1. E
2. F
3. A
4. B
5. D
6. A
7. B
8. D
9. F
10. H
11. Slowly (or suitable alternative)
12. Skilled
13. Exclusive or expensive
14. Affordable
15. Conscious
WORD BUILDING
VERB NOUN ADJECTIVE ADVERB
agree agreement agreeable agreeably
know
death
successful
comparably
believe
imagination
short
criticize
addition
notice
attractive
intentionally
amaze
irritation
popularize
wonderful
apparently
horrify
production
excitable
annoy

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What are the main points about skimming and scanning texts?

What are the main points about skimming and scanning texts?

What changes occurred in fashion production in the 20th century?

What changes occurred in fashion production in the 20th century?

Skimming and Scanning

2. Which of the following does NOT involve skimming?

3. People scan a text when they want to find ________ information.

4. People are NOT scanning a text effectively when they ________.

Answer the following questions

2. What is the best solution? _____________________________

3. Which six items should you take with you?

1. Read the text and add an appropriate heading

Heading: Some interesting ______________

Answer the following questions

2. How many people live there? ______________

3. How long is the coastline? ____________

4. How many islands do people live on? ________

5. What is the highest point? ____________

6. What is the lowest point? ____________

Fashion – the World Over

4 In the twentieth century, mechanised production of textiles and the introduction of

A Fashion designers can be found almost everywhere in the world.

12. Dressmakers and tailors had to be very

13. Haute couture was very

14. Designer clothing became more

15. People are still particularly ____________________________ about the way

VERB NOUN ADJECTIVE ADVERB

agree agreement agreeable agreeably

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