Reading: Skimming & Scanning (Efficiently): B2 Lesson 2: Systematically Scanning Longer and More Dense Texts for Specific Information

CEFR Level: B2 (Upper Intermediate)

Target Reading Sub-skill: Skimming & Scanning (Efficiently)

Specific Focus: Systematically Scanning Longer and More Dense Texts for Specific Information

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What You Will Learn

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Apply a systematic approach to scan longer and more information-dense texts.
• Identify and use keywords effectively to locate specific details.
• Utilize text features (headings, bold text, lists) to aid scanning.
• Efficiently find answers to multiple questions from different parts of a complex text.

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Hello Cambodian Learners!

At the B2 level, you will encounter longer texts with more information, like reports on economic development in Cambodia, articles about technological advancements, or detailed travel guides. To find specific details in these texts without reading every word, you need a good system for scanning. This lesson will help you develop a more systematic and efficient way to scan, so you can find what you need quickly and accurately.

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A Systematic Approach to Scanning

Scanning efficiently means having a plan. Here are some steps for a systematic approach:

1. Understand Your Purpose: Clearly know what information you are looking for. Are they names, dates, reasons, statistics, or specific terms?
2. Identify Keywords: Choose important words from your question(s) that are likely to appear in the text near the answer. Think about synonyms or related terms too.
3. Anticipate Answer Form: Think about what the answer might look like. A number? A year? A place name? This helps your eyes spot it.
4. Use Text Features: Quickly look at headings, subheadings, bold text, bullet points, or any tables/graphs. These can guide you to the relevant section. For example, if you're looking for information about "environmental impact" in an article about a new factory in Battambang, a subheading like "Environmental Concerns" would be a key place to scan.
5. Choose a Scanning Pattern: Move your eyes quickly over the text. You might look down the middle of paragraphs, or in an S or Z pattern. Don't read word-by-word. Let your eyes float over the text looking for your keywords.
6. Focus and Ignore: Train yourself to ignore information that is not related to your keywords.
7. Read Carefully When Found: Once you spot a keyword or likely answer, slow down and read the surrounding sentence(s) carefully to confirm it's the correct information.

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Practice Time!

Activity 1: Systematic Scanning Practice

Read the article below. You will then be asked to find several pieces of specific information. Try to use the systematic scanning strategies we discussed.

The Rise of E-Commerce in Southeast Asia

(P1) E-commerce, or electronic commerce, has seen explosive growth across Southeast Asia in recent years, significantly changing how people shop and do business. Countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand are leading this transformation, with Cambodia also showing a rapidly increasing adoption rate. The primary drivers for this growth include increased internet penetration, widespread smartphone usage, and a young, tech-savvy population. In 2023 alone, the regional e-commerce market was valued at over $150 billion.

(P2) Several factors contribute to the appeal of online shopping. Convenience is a major draw; consumers can browse and purchase products from anywhere, at any time, without needing to visit physical stores. E-commerce platforms also offer a wider selection of goods than most traditional retailers. Furthermore, competitive pricing and frequent promotional deals, such as the popular 11/11 sales event, attract many buyers. For instance, during the last 11/11 sale, one major platform reported over 20 million items sold in the first hour.

(P3) However, the rapid expansion of e-commerce also presents challenges. Logistics and delivery infrastructure in some areas, particularly rural regions, can be underdeveloped, leading to longer delivery times. Ensuring secure online payment systems and building consumer trust are also ongoing priorities. Many governments in the region, including the Cambodian Ministry of Commerce, are working on regulations to support sustainable e-commerce growth and protect consumers. The first e-commerce law in Cambodia was enacted in 2019.

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Quick Quiz!

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Great Job!

Practicing systematic scanning will make you a much more efficient reader, especially when dealing with longer and more complex texts. Remember to identify your purpose and keywords first!

How do you feel about this lesson?

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