略读(skimming). 略读又称跳读(readingandskipping)或浏览(glancing)，是一种 专门的，非常实用的快速阅读技能。
Skimming
When reading the newspaper one often skims articles before deciding whether or not to read more carefully. To skim is to read quickly in order to get the general idea of a passage. Unlike scanning which involves searching for details or isolated facts (see Unit 1), skimming requires the reader to note only information and clues which provide an idea of the central theme or topic of a piece of writing.
When you skim, you read only selected sentences in order to get the main idea. You should also use textual clues such as italicized or underlined words, headlines or subtitles, spacing, paragraphing, etc. Do not read every word or sentence.
Once you have a general idea about an article you may decide to read the entire selection carefully, or only to scan for specific pieces of information in order to answer questions which have occurred to you.
When you skim, you probably have to move your eyes faster than when you scan although the same steps of reading are involved. Of course, the key step is to decide what information you want to know, and then try to skim for it.
The following is an example from Passage A in this unit to explain how to skim for the particular information that a reader is interested in.
Example
Suppose a reader wants to know where he would be able to find the information about earthquake prediction and prevention.
To skim for the places for the information in question, the reader actually just needs to read the first sentence of each paragraph in the text. Sentence 1, Paragraph 1 tells him/her that this is the place for information about earthquake prediction; Sentence 1, Paragraph 2 for information about earthquake prevention.
Skimming
Scanning involves searching for details or isolated facts (see Unit 1) whereas skimming is to read quickly in order to get the general idea of a passage. Skimming requires the reader to note only information and clues which provide an idea of the central theme or topic of a piece of writing.
When you skim, you read only selected sentences in order to get the main idea. You should also use textual clues such as italicized or underlined words, headlines or subtitles, spacing, paragraphing, etc. Do not read every word or sentence.
Once you have a general idea about an article you may decide to read the entire selection carefully, or only to scan for specific pieces of information in order to answer questions which have occurred to you.
When you skim, you probably have to move your eyes faster than when you scan although the same steps of reading are involved. Of course, the key step is to decide what information you want to know, and then try to skim for it.
The following are some examples from Passage A in this unit to explain how to skim for the particular information that a reader is interested in.
Example 1
After having a brief look at the title of the reading passage, you might want to know: Where shall I find the information about earthquake prediction, prevention and preparation?
To skim for the places for the information in question, the reader actually just needs to read the first sentence of each paragraph in the text. Sentence 1, Paragraph 1 tells him/her that this is the place for information about earthquake prediction; Sentence 1, Paragraph 2 for information about earthquake prevention; the first sentence of Paragraphs 3, 4, 5, 6 for information about preparation against earthquake.
Example 2
After reading two paragraphs, you might want to know: How should people get prepared for an earthquake?
Since the reader now knows where to get the information about earthquake preparation, he/she may move his/her eyes very quickly down these relevant (有关的) paragraphs, skimming for the answer, which is offered as follows:
1. regularly check and reinforce their homes; (Para. 3)
2. have supplies of water and food at home and at work; (Para. 4)
3. keep a fire extinguisher handy, etc.; (Para. 5)
4. have earthquake emergency plans. (Para. 6)
