Before we go deeply to this topic, we want you to ask yourself with this question first,
“Do I read every word in your own language when I am reading a text?” Definitely the answer is NO! Reading in English is likely reading in your native/mother tongue language.It is not a necessity for us to understand every words in ENGLISH, as the reading skills are basically same for your native language and English language.
Now,
Lets see the four types of reading skills which are used in every language:
1. Reading for Gist
Here,you read for an overall,general understanding of a particular text or story.You are encouraged to devote less attention to the individual meaning of words and phrases.
With regard to reading,this idea also referred to as skimming.
Example: The newspaper (quickly to get the general news of the day)
2. Reading for Specific Information.
Here,you read for specific information.They are encouraged to understand information or specific language items in more detail.With regard to reading,this idea is also referred to as scanning.
Example: You may be asked to read through a particular text in detail in order to answer a specific question such as “At what time did the train depart the station?”
3. Extensive reading.
Here,you read for specific information.They are encouraged to understand information or specific language items in more detail.With regard to reading,this idea is also referred to as scanning.
Example: You may be asked to read through a particular text in detail in order to answer a specific question such as “At what time did the train depart the station?”
3. Extensive reading.
The purpose of extensive reading is for pleasure and information.Thus,extensive reading is also termed as “Supplementary Reading.” Reader's attention not only for the meaning of the language but for the whole content itself.
Example: A novel you read before going to bed.
4. Intensive Reading.
The work of Palmer (1921) notes that “Intensive Reading” means that the reader take a text,study it line by line,and refer at very moment to the dictionary about the grammar of the text itself.
Example: An insurance claim.
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Activity:
Using the description, how would you read the following? Match the different types of reading with the categories below.
Decides which one requires you to “skim” or to “scan” the text. Which one needs detailed Intensive Reading?What type of the text do you read Extensively-for pleasure.Choose your answer.
Decides which one requires you to “skim” or to “scan” the text. Which one needs detailed Intensive Reading?What type of the text do you read Extensively-for pleasure.Choose your answer.
1) The “What’s on” section of the local paper.
A. Skimming
B. Scanning
C. Extensive
D. Intensive
2) A novel.
A. Skimming
B. Scanning
C. Extensive
D. Intensive
3) A newspaper
A. Skimming
B. Scanning
C. Extensive
D. Intensive
4) A poem
A. Skimming
B. Scanning
C. Extensive
D. Intensive
5) The telephone directory
A. Skimming
B. Scanning
C. Extensive
D. Intensive
Answers: 1. B, 2. C, 3. A, 4. D, 5. B
