Reading: Skimming & Scanning
B2 Lesson 2: Systematic Scanning
Before You Read 🧠
Key Vocabulary
These terms describe the skills you'll be using today.
The Systematic Scanning Method
When a text is packed with information, you need a system to find details quickly. Follow these four steps.
The 4 Steps of Systematic Scanning
- Identify Your Anchor: Read the question and choose the most unique keyword to target.
- Recognize the Pattern: Think about the "shape" of the answer. Are you looking for a year (2025), a measurement (1,000 km), a name, or a percentage (%)?
- Execute the Scan: Move your eyes rapidly across the text. Do not read every word. Your brain is only looking for the anchor word or the answer pattern.
- Verify the Detail: When your eye catches the target, stop. Read the full sentence to confirm it contains the correct information.
Practice Text: Bokor Hill Station Development
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 to these questions using our 4-step method.
- Question 1: In what year was the 99-year lease granted?
Strategy: My anchors are "lease" and "99-year". I'm looking for a 4-digit number (a year) in the second paragraph.
Answer: 2007 - Question 2: What is the total area of Preah Monivong National Park?
Strategy: My anchor is "National Park". I'm looking for a number followed by "square-kilometer" in the first paragraph.
Answer: 1,581-square-kilometer - Question 3: Who built a residence on the mountain in 1962?
Strategy: My anchor is the year "1962". I will scan the first paragraph for that specific number.
Answer: King Norodom Sihanouk
Practice What You Learned 🎯
Quiz: Scan Systematically
Use the systematic scanning strategy on the article about Bokor above to answer these questions.
1. How many hotel rooms are in the Thansur Bokor Highland Resort?
→ Answer: Over 400 rooms. (Scan for "hotel rooms" and a number).
2. By what year do the developers hope to attract 5 million tourists annually?
→ Answer: By the year 2035. (Scan for "5 million tourists" and a year).
Key Vocabulary Reference
- Systematic Done according to a fixed, methodical plan. Not random.
- Dense Text A text packed with a lot of information, facts, and details.
- Keyword Anchoring Choosing the most unique word from a question to focus your search on.
- Pattern Recognition The skill of recognizing the format of information, such as a date or a percentage.
Your Reading Mission ⭐
Practice with a Dense Text!
Find a short, factual English article online (e.g., from BBC News or a simple Wikipedia page).
- First, skim the article to get the general topic of each paragraph.
- Then, write down three specific questions about details in the text (e.g., names, numbers, dates).
- Practice systematically scanning to find the answers to your own questions.