Part 2 Reading Skill Focus

Scanning (1) 

Scanning is a fast reading technique. It’s a way of reading to look for specific information in a text.

Scanning can be used to look up a phone number, read through the small ads in a newspaper, or browse TV schedules, timetables, lists, catalogues or web pages for information. For these tasks you don’t need to read or understand every word.

In scanning, we search for needed information and neglect the irrelevant information. For example, in preparation for a research paper we may have to consult a number of reference books in order to find particular names, dates, figures, definitions or facts. In the course of reading, we usually run our eyes rapidly over the reading material until we come to the right place. Here we shall decrease our reading speed and read carefully until we locate the specific item of information we need. We shall probably not continue beyond that point, for we have fulfilled our special reading purpose.

How is “scanning” different from “skimming”?

The term skimming is often confused with scanning. Remember:

Scanning is used to obtain specific information from a piece of text. For example, use scanning to find a particular number in a telephone directory.

Skimming is used to obtain the gist (the overall sense) of a piece of text. For example use skimming to get the gist of a page of a textbook to decide whether it is useful and should therefore be read more slowly and in more detail.

Sometimes you can use both reading skills. After you have skimmed a piece of text to decide whether the text is of interest, you may wish to use scanning techniques to locate specific information.

In this unit, you will get a general picture of Scanning. Next unit will tell you more about this technique.

Guided Sample

Example 1

The following is a Winthrop Galleries Exhibition Schedule. Scan the schedule and try to find the best answer for each of the following questions.

Winthrop Galleries Exhibition Schedule

August 9 - September 21

Gallery I: Selections from the Permanent Collection

August 16 - September 21

Gallery II: Nene Humphrey Matrix

August 27 - October 2

McLaurin student Gallery: Interior Design

October 1 - November 15

Gallery II: Across Generations: Catawba Potters and Their Art

October 1 - November 22

Gallery I: Discovering America: Finding Many Faces

December 3 - February 7

Gallery I and II: Art and Design Faculty Exhibition

February 14 - April 4

Gallery I: Katherine Kadish: Paintings

  Gallery II: Cordelia Williams: The Extraordinary Adventures of Camilla and the Fairy Cat

Winthrop Galleries is located in Rutledge Building. Hours are Monday through Friday

8:30a.m.- 4:30p.m. The Gallery is closed on Saturday. Hours for McLaurin Student Gallery

are Monday through Friday 8:30a.m.- 5:00p.m.

1. If a visitor is interested in interior design，he should go to the Galleries during __________.

A. October 1 - November 22

B. August 27 - October 2

C. August 9 - September 21

D. February 14 - April 4

2. The Faculty Exhibition on Art and Design is open __________.

A. August 27 - October 2

B. December 3 - February 7

C. October 1 - November 22

D. February 14 - April 4

3. McLaurin Student Gallery is open __________.

A. six days a week

B. only on the weekend

C. every day except Saturday and Sunday

D. every day

    做这种题目我们一般先看问题。通过阅读问题我们首先可以确定三个题干的关键词分别是 interior design，Faculty Exhibition 和 Art and Design 以及 MaLaurin Student Gallery。接下来需要做的是在阅读材料中快速查找到这些关键词, 然后在关键词所在位置仔细查找问题的答案。

通过这种方法，我们很快就可以找到这三个问题的答案：1. B; 2. B; 3.C。

Example 2

Read the following passage quickly and choose the best answer for each of the following questions.

    Botox injections are one of the most popular cosmetic treatments in the world. Celebrities like Madonna, Kylie Minogue and Liz Hurley are rumored to be keeping the wrinkles at bay this way.

    Botox is reportedly a favorite with Oscar nominees who don’t want to work up a sweat on the red carpet. Some stars have injections in their armpits to paralyze the sweat glands there. This way they can receive their awards knowing they don’t have sweaty patches under their arms and hand back their couture outfits unstained.

    Injections take effect about three to seven days after treatment and the effect lasts three or four months. A treatment costs roughly ￡200. With repeated treatments, atrophy or thinning of the muscles occurs, which produces longer lasting results. Botox may be unsuitable for use around the mouth as the muscles there are important for facial expressions and eating.

1. According to the article, which of the following celebrities is rumored to have used Botox?

A. Jerry Hall.B. Judy Finnigan.

C. Liz Hurley.D. Barbara Windsor.

2. How do Botox injections in the armpits stop some celebrities from sweating at the Oscars?

A. Botox causes the armpit muscles to relax.

B. Botox develops into thin protective layers of gel.

C. Botox paralyses the sweat glands.

D. Botox tightens the skin in the armpits.

3. For how long does the effect of using Botox last?

A. Two to three months.B. Three or four months.

C. At least 6 months.D. Nearly a year.

做这种题目我们一般先看问题。通过阅读问题我们首先可以确定三个题干的关键词分别是rumored，sweating 以及 how long。接下来需要做的是在阅读材料中快速查找到这些关键词, 然后在关键词所在位置仔细查找问题的答案。

1. C  Clue： 参看文章第一段，选项中只出现了Liz Hurley。

2. C  Clue：参看第二段第二句。

3. B  Clue：参看第三段”第一句。

Task 2：Let’s Try

Now, in accordance with the samples above, try to scan the following passages and find the proper answers to the relevant questions.

Practice1

The following questions are based on the passage below. Read the questions first and then find the answers in the passage.

1. Which of the following are the attendees of the Asia Business Conference? 

A. Harvard

B. Boston community

C. thought leaders

D. all of above  

2. What is the theme of the 2017 conference?

A. How is Asia reacting to these changes?

  B. In A Changing World.

Since 1994, the Asia Business Conference at Harvard Business School has hosted dynamic discussions on Asia by thought leaders in a range of disciplines and fields. Today, it is the largest student-run conference on Asia in North America, drawing hundreds of attendees from not only the Harvard and greater Boston community, but also from all over the world.

The 2017 conference theme is "In A Changing World". Today, the situation around the world has been changing dramatically as we can see from the Brexit and the US presidential election. How is Asia reacting to these changes? What are the next steps? What are the roles Asia can play in the ever changing world? We will reflect on Asia's trajectory in the past, and explore what its future path would be like in areas such as business, technology, policy, law, design and others.

Practice2

The following questions are based on the passage below. Read the questions first and then find the answers in the passage.

1. What is the purpose of the International Conference on E-Business？

A. To grow importance from the increasing interest of the IT research community.

B. To cover low-level technological issues.

C. To cover different approaches to address these issues and different possible applications

D. To bring together researchers and practitioners who are interested in E-Business

2. Which of the following is not the scope of the conference?    

A. technology platforms              B. web services

 C. business intelligence               D. IT research community

3. What is the meaning of “approaches”?   

A. methods                          B. ideas or actions

The International Conference on E-Business, ICE-B 2018 aims at bringing together researchers and practitioners who are interested in e-Business technology and its current applications. The scope of the conference covers low-level technological issues, such as technology platforms, internet of things and web services, but also higher-level issues, such as business processes, business intelligence, value setting and business strategy.

Furthermore, it covers different approaches to address these issues and different possible applications with their own specific needs and requirements on technology. These are all areas of theoretical and practical importance within the broad scope of e-Business, whose growing importance can be seen from the increasing interest of the IT research community. 

Practice3

The following questions are based on the passage below. Read the questions first and then find the answers in the passage.

1. What is “alleviate”?

A. lessen       B. increase

2. Which of the following is a challenge for small business owners attending conferences?

A. To get work done ahead of time

B. To leaving their business behind

C. To assign an employee or team member to hold down the fort

D. To inform your clients about your availability

3. What will small business owners do with their clients?

A. To tell their clients ahead of time

B. To ask them if they have any important work coming up and prepare

C. To inform their clients about your availability 

  D. All of the above

One of the biggest challenges for small business owners attending conferences is leaving their business behind. Sure, you can bring your laptop and work during the conference, but the more you have you head in your work, the less you will be experiencing at the conference. So it makes sense to plan ahead.

In the weeks leading up to the event, start getting work done ahead of time so it's easier to disconnect for a day or two. If there are times during the conference you know you will need to be working, plan for them in advance and work them into your personal conference schedule.

You may also want to assign an employee or team member to hold down the fort while you are away. Not only will this alleviate the pressure for you to be on call the whole time, but it can also help you maintain productivity while you are out of the office.

Lastly, make sure you tell your clients ahead of time that you will be traveling. Give them a chance to let you know if they have any important work coming up and prepare for your out of office time. You should also inform your clients about your availability while you are away.

Practice4

The following questions are based on the passage below. Read the questions first and then find the answers in the passage.

1. What is “encompasses”?

A. surround                             B. include  

2. You can attend the small business conference as various roles except ________.

A. vendor                                 B. chairman

  C. speaker                               D. participant

3.What is the role of elevator pitch？

A. A great way to promote your business

B. To increase your confidence

C. To make it easier for you to interact with other attendees

D. All of the above

There are plenty of promotional opportunities at every small business conference you attend. Whether you are attending as a participant, a speaker, or a vendor, there are two must-haves for every event: business cards and an elevator pitch.

Despite technology advances, business cards are still necessary for in-person networking. An effective business card can make you memorable, strengthen your brand and show your professionalism. Plus, business cards are expected in networking situations. So make sure you update your cards and bring a bunch with you.

An elevator pitch can not only be a great way to promote your business at small business conferences, but it can also increase your confidence and make it easier for you to interact with other attendees.

Before you leave for the event, take time to write an elevator pitch that encompasses your business/brand in 60 seconds. You may be surprised how much you use it during the conference!