Skim-reading and Scanning

Unit 2 Communication Skills for Creative Media Production

On completion of this unit a learner should:
1. Be able to extract information from written sources
2. Be able to create a report in a media production context
3. Be able to pitch a media production proposal using appropriate technology

Skim-reading
Skim-reading: taking a quick look at a text to get an idea of what it is going to be about.

When skimming you might:

• Read the title of the text
• Look at the introduction of the first paragraph
• Look at pictures, graphs and charts
• Read headings and subheadings
• Word phrases and phrases that stand out in bold print or italics
• Read the last paragraph

Scanning

Scanning: looking for something in particular and the focus is finding specific information rather than looking at the whole text.

When scanning you might:

• Look for specific information
• Not reading every word
• Move your eyes quickly through the text to identify words and phrases
• Locate specific information you need

http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/sep/09/mps-debate-cannabis-legalisation-petition-signatures

“MPs will debate whether to legalise the production, sale and use of cannabis after a petition calling for a change in the law reached more than 200,000 signatures.

James Owen, who started the petition, said that despite public backing – it reached more than 125,000 signatures in just five days 

“I’m glad that it’s got this far and can just take its process,” the 25-year-old economics student said. “I’d be more hopeful if Jeremy Corbyn gets the leadership of the Labour party, but it seems to me that the current government are willing to ignore the views of 200,000-plus people.””

Activity
Scan for:

1. The punishments for the crimes

2. The effect of the sex/rape on the girls

3. The time it took place

Ollies questions
 www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-east-wales-34176859

Scan for:

1. The first incident of abuse

2. Name of the school

3. How charities want people to deal with incidents like this in the future

Answers

1. 1980’s

2. Malpas Church in Wales School

3. They urge anyone with information about abuse within schools to contact authorities and organisations that support children