B. ĐỌC TÌM Ý CHÍNH (SCANNING)

1. Chọn các từ có ý chính trong các câu hỏi (Choosing scanning words in the questions)

- Choose your scanning words carefully. For example, with True, False, Not Given, read all the statements and look for words that occur frequently. These are likely to be the general subject of the passage, so they will not help you scan.

- Look for words that relate to the general subject. They can be nouns, names, dates, etc.

- Keep in mind the basic structure of a sentence: Subject, Verb, Object. Anything extra qualifies the sentence, e.g. additional clauses, adjectives, adverbs, negative words, comparisons. These words/phrases help you understand the focus of the statement. For example, you should notice a negative word like ignore immediately. It is probably not a scanning word, but a word that tests your understanding of the text.

- Look for words and ideas that help you navigate the text. This is a very efficient tool. Look at the questions together and not in isolation. The questions can often be subdivided: two relating to one area of text; three to another, etc. Connect the questions, group them and use this to help you to jump around the text.

2. Cách đọc chậm để tìm ý chính (How to scan slowly)

Scan from left to right, left to right. You must look only for your chosen scanning words. If you do not, this will be a slow and ineffective technique.

3. Cách đọc nhanh để tìm ý chính (How to scan quickly)

- To stop yourself from reading every word, start at the end of each line or paragraph. Scan from right to left, right to left backwards through the text. This prevents you from reading the text.

- Alternatively, scan diagonally through the text from bottom right to top left, or vertically, from the bottom to the top.

- Move through the text in a zigzag backwards. This stops you from reading. Move faster each time you practice.

- You can also scan forward, but you must stop yourself reading the text.

- When you have gained confidence, scan forwards left to right, right to left and so on. You do not have to waste time going to the beginning of a line each time.

- Very efficient readers can look at the centre of a paragraph and do not allow their eye to move. They then take everything in around the central point. If a paragraph is long, do it in stages.

4. Cách đánh dấu bài đọc lúc đọc lướt hoặc đọc để tìm ý chính (How to mark the text when you skim and scan)

- Use a pencil so you can rub out mistakes.

- Only underline key words: scanning words from the questions and organizing words.

- Underline as little as possible. Too much underlining makes it difficult to find essential information. Remember more is less.

Compare:

- Develop a simple underlining code. Use a box for focus words like measures, etc. Underline main ideas. Use a zigzag line for detail.

- If you are fast, use this code in the exam. If not, just underline. It helps you focus on the organization of the text.

5. Hoàn thành tờ giấy trả lời (Completing the answer sheet)

- Fill in the answer sheet carefully. Use a pencil.

- Mark the end of the first two passages on the sheet with a short line. Aim to complete one stage at a time.

- Fill in the answers directly onto the sheet and in the correct order.

- Write clearly. Give only one answer unless the instructions require more.

- Write in the correct spaces and keep within them.

- Check your spelling, especially common words and follow the word limit.

- Do not copy words from the question stem or paraphrases from the text. The answer will be marked incorrect.

- Skim/check your answers when you finish. Choose answers at random to check, or check them backwards. Also check your answers against the questions to make sure the grammar is correct.