Reading: Skimming & Scanning (Efficiently)
B2 Lesson 2: Systematically Scanning Longer and More Dense Texts for Specific Information
Precision Searching in Dense Texts
In our last lesson, we practiced skimming to create a "mental map" of a text. Now, we will perfect the second step: scanning. When a text is dense2—packed with a lot of facts and details—we need a systematic1 way to find information.
Today, we will learn how to use "keyword anchoring" and "pattern recognition" to quickly locate multiple pieces of information across different paragraphs without getting lost.
The Systematic Scanning Method
- Identify Your Anchor: Read the question and choose the most unique keyword or phrase to "anchor" your search. This is your target.
- Recognize the Pattern: Think about the shape of the answer. Are you looking for a year (e.g., 2025), a measurement (e.g., 1,000 km), a name (e.g., Mr. Dara), or a percentage (%)?
- Execute the Scan: Move your eyes rapidly across the lines of the relevant paragraph. Do not read every word. Your brain is only looking for the shape of the anchor word or the pattern of the answer.
- Verify the Detail: When your eye catches the anchor or pattern, stop. Read the full sentence to confirm that it contains the correct information to answer your question.
Practice Text: Bokor Hill Station Development
After skimming this text, we will answer specific questions by scanning systematically.
From Royal Retreat to Modern Resort
Bokor Hill Station, situated within the 1,581-square-kilometer Preah Monivong National Park, has a layered history. Initially developed by the French in the 1920s as a colonial retreat, it was later expanded upon by King Norodom Sihanouk, who constructed a residence there in 1962. After decades of abandonment, a new chapter for Bokor began.
Large-Scale Modernization
In 2007, the Cambodian government granted a 99-year lease to the Sokimex Group to redevelop the area. This massive project included the construction of the Thansur Bokor Highland Resort, a large complex featuring a luxury hotel with over 400 rooms, several restaurants, and a casino. The long-term development plan aims to attract a projected 5 million tourists annually by the year 2035.
Guided Practice
Let's find the answers using the systematic scanning method.
- Question 1: In what year was the 99-year lease granted?
Strategy: My anchor words are "lease" and "99-year". I'll scan the "Modernization" paragraph for those words and a 4-digit number (a year).
Answer: I scan and find "...99-year lease was granted in 2007." - Question 2: What is the total area of Preah Monivong National Park?
Strategy: My anchor words are "National Park" and "area". I'll scan the first paragraph for the park's name and a number followed by "square kilometer".
Answer: I scan and find "...within the 1,581-square-kilometer Preah Monivong National Park." - Question 3: Who built a residence on the mountain in 1962?
Strategy: My anchor words are "residence" and "1962". I'll scan the first paragraph for the year.
Answer: I scan and find "...King Norodom Sihanouk, who constructed a residence there in 1962."
Your Turn! Scan Systematically.
Practice Quiz
Use the systematic scanning strategy on the article about Bokor above to answer these questions.
- How many hotel rooms are in the Thansur Bokor Highland Resort?
- By what year do the developers hope to attract 5 million tourists annually?
Answers:
1. (I scan the second paragraph for "hotel rooms" and a number) Over 400 rooms.
2. (I scan the second paragraph for "5 million tourists" and a year) By the year 2035.
Vocabulary Glossary
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Systematic (adjective)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: ដែលមានប្រព័ន្ធ
Done according to a fixed, methodical plan. Not random. ↩ back to text -
Dense Text (noun phrase)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: អត្ថបទដែលពោរពេញទៅដោយព័ត៌មាន ការពិត និងព័ត៌មានលម្អិតជាច្រើន
A text that is packed with a lot of information, facts, and details. ↩ back to text -
Keyword Anchoring (noun phrase)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: ការជ្រើសពាក្យគន្លឹះ
Choosing the most unique word or number from a question to focus your search on when scanning. ↩ back to text -
Pattern Recognition (noun phrase)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: ការទទួលស្គាល់លំនាំ
The skill of recognizing the format of information, such as the shape of a date, a percentage, or a name. ↩ back to text
Homework Task
Practice with a Dense Text!
Find a short, factual English article online. A good source is the "Technology" or "Science" section of a news website like BBC, or a simple Wikipedia page about a topic you like.
- First, skim the article to make a mental map of what each paragraph is about.
- Then, write down three specific questions about details in the text. Make sure the questions ask for a name, a number, a date, or a technical term.
- Practice systematically scanning to find the answers to your own questions.