Reading: Skimming & Scanning: B1 Lesson 1: Quickly Identifying Main Ideas & Relevant Sections in Longer Texts

Reading: Skimming & Scanning

B1 Lesson 1: Quickly Identifying Main Ideas & Relevant Sections in Longer Texts

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A Powerful Combination Strategy

You already know the basics of skimming¹ (reading fast for main ideas) and scanning² (searching for specific details). At the B1 level, we learn to use them together to understand longer texts quickly and effectively.

The strategy is: Skim first, then scan. Skimming helps you create a "mental map" of the text, so you know exactly where to scan for answers later.

The Skim-Then-Scan Strategy

1. SKIM to make a mental map: Read the main title and all subheadings⁵. Then, read only the first sentence of each paragraph. This tells you the topic of each section.
2. IDENTIFY the relevant section: Read the question you need to answer. Based on your mental map, decide which paragraph or relevant section⁴ most likely contains the information.
3. SCAN for the answer: Now, scan only that one section for the keywords and details that answer your question.

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Practice Text: The Charms of Kampot

Let's use the strategy on this short article.

A Riverside Atmosphere

Kampot is a quiet city located on the banks of the Praek Tuek Chhu river. Many visitors love its relaxed atmosphere and beautiful sunsets over the water. The town is also known for its well-preserved French colonial architecture, which gives it a unique and charming feel.

World-Renowned Pepper

The region around Kampot is most famous for its agriculture, especially for producing some of the world's best pepper. Kampot pepper, which has a special protected status, is prized by chefs globally for its complex flavor. The main varieties you will find are black, red, and white pepper, each with a unique taste.

Activities and Nature

There are many activities for visitors to enjoy in and around Kampot. You can explore the waterfalls and cool air of Bokor National Park, a large protected mountain area. Other popular options include kayaking on the river, taking a boat trip to see fireflies at night, or visiting the nearby salt fields to see how sea salt is harvested.

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Guided Practice

Let's find the answers to these questions using the strategy.

• Question 1: What are the three types of Kampot pepper mentioned?
  Strategy: I skim the subheadings and see "World-Renowned Pepper." The answer must be in this section. I will scan this paragraph for pepper types.
  Answer: Black, red, and white pepper.
• Question 2: Besides the river, what is a major natural park near Kampot?
  Strategy: I skim the subheadings and see "Activities and Nature." This seems like the right place. I will scan this paragraph for the name of a park.
  Answer: Bokor National Park.

Your Turn to Practice!

Practice Quiz

Read the questions, then use the "Skim-Then-Scan" strategy on the article about Kampot above.

1. What gives Kampot town a unique and charming feel?
2. What activity can you do on the river?

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Answers:
1. (I skim to find the "Riverside Atmosphere" section, then scan for the answer) Its well-preserved French colonial architecture.
2. (I skim to find the "Activities and Nature" section, then scan for the answer) You can go kayaking or take a boat trip.

Vocabulary Glossary

1. Skimming (*verb*)
   ភាសាខ្មែរ: ការអាន훑 (Kaa aan hout)
   Reading quickly (looking at titles, subheadings, first sentences) to understand the general structure and main ideas of a text. ↩ back to text
2. Scanning (*verb*)
   ភាសាខ្មែរ: ការអានរាវរក (Kaa aan reav rɔɔk)
   Searching a text quickly to find a specific piece of information (like a name, date, or keyword). ↩ back to text
3. Main Idea (*noun*)
   ភាសាខ្មែរ: គំនិតចម្បង (Kum-nit cham-bong)
   The most important point or message of a paragraph or text. ↩ back to text
4. Relevant Section (*noun*)
   ភាសាខ្មែរ: ផ្នែកដែលពាក់ព័ន្ធ (Phnaek dael peak-poan)
   The correct paragraph or part of a text where an answer is likely to be found. ↩ back to text
5. Subheading (*noun*)
   ភាសាខ្មែរ: ចំណងជើងរង (Cham-nawng-jerng rong)
   A smaller title inside a longer text that introduces a new, specific topic section. ↩ back to text

Homework Task

Practice with a News Article!

Find a short news article in English online (from a site like VOA Learning English, BBC, or the Khmer Times English edition).

1. Skim the article first: read the title, any subheadings, and the first sentence of each paragraph.
2. Based on your skim, write down one question about a specific detail you think is in the article.
3. Scan the article to find the answer to your question. Write down the answer.

This is exactly how fluent readers get information quickly!