Comprehension Techniques

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Strategy Pages
Comprehension techniques
Unlike text comprehension, which allows you to read as slowly as you want or even stop
to check unknown words, you cannot control the speed at which you hear a spoken text
or interrupt its presentation. Thus it is important to be well prepared and clear about
what points you are listening for.
– Before you listen find out the topic of the text. Then try to anticipate what will be said.
– Read the task(s) carefully and decide whether you have to listen for:
the gist (=the main idea)
all of the main points;
specific information only.
– The first time you listen concentrate on the gist of the text. Do not take any notes yet.
– Listen again with the task in mind. Note down the relevant information.
– Do not try to take down everything that the speaker says.
– Arrange your notes logically so that you can do the task. Use flow charts, mind maps
and clusters to help you order key words (cf. page 141).
Skimming and scanning
Reading techniques are particulary useful when you work with large amounts of text, as
when you prepare reports or presentations. The reading technique you choose depends
on the type of information you are looking for.
Skimming involves finding the main ideas in a text to get an impression of its content.
– Read the title, the introduction or first paragraph, the first sentence of every paragraph
and any headings and sub-headings.
– Note any pictures, charts or graphs.
– Pay attention to any words or phrases in italics or bold print.
– Read the summary or last paragraph.
Scanning is useful when you want to find specific information quickly. Have a question
in mind and read a passage to find the answer. Ignore unrelated information.
– Decide what specific information you are looking for.
– How might the information be given in the text? For example, if you need a date, only
look at the numbers in the text.
– Headings can help you to identify sections which might contain the information.
– The first sentence in a paragraph should indicate whether the information you need
could be there, or not. Do not read the text in detail.
Reading log / diary
C C h h . . 1 1
A reading log or diary is a good way of
“This is not a novel to
recording ideas that come to mind when
P P l l o o t t
be tossed aside lightly. It
-
you read a longer piece of fiction such as
what happens,
should be thrown with
- how suspense is built up,
a play or novel. Although it is a personal
great force.”
- hints about future events …
record of your ideas and feelings, you
Dorothy Parker
C C h h a a r r a a c c t t e e r r s s
can also use it to make note of details
- personal reaction,
about the plot and characters. You could
- descriptions,
collect your ideas as shown on the right.
- relationships,
- comparisons with real /fictional people …
You could also add pictures or drawings
I I d d e e a a s s / / f f e e e e l l i i n n g g s s / / q q u u e e s s t t i i o o n n s s
to illustrate your ideas. Remember to
- comments on the language,
check whether your predictions about
- imagery,
events were correct.
- characterization,
- how the story might continue;
- the meaning of events;
- whether you (dis)like the plot /characters …
138
Probeseite aus Skyline, Advanced Level – Ausgabe A
(3-12-510463-7)

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