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Understanding Skimming and Scanning
Make sure you know the difference and use them appropriately to enhance the reading sub-skill test as well as all the other sub-skill tests.
READING
2/3/20252 min read
Mastering the OET Reading sub-test requires efficient reading strategies, particularly skimming and scanning. These techniques enable you to process information swiftly and accurately, essential skills for healthcare professionals. Let's delve into how you can enhance these abilities.
Understanding Skimming and Scanning
Skimming: This involves rapidly moving your eyes over the text to grasp the main idea without focusing on details. It's like getting the gist of a patient's case notes to understand the overall situation.
Scanning: Here, you search for specific information or keywords within the text. Think of it as quickly locating a particular lab result in a patient's file.
Effective Skimming Techniques
Read Titles and Headings: They provide insight into the content and structure of the text. In OET Reading Part A, this can help you quickly identify which section contains the information you need.
Focus on the First and Last Sentences: Often, the main idea of a paragraph is presented in these sentences. By concentrating on them, you can understand the core message without reading every word.
Look for Visual Cues: Elements like bullet points, lists, and bolded terms highlight important information. These cues can guide you to key points swiftly.
Effective Scanning Techniques
Identify Keywords: Before scanning, determine the specific words or phrases you're looking for. This could be a date, a medical term, or a particular symptom.
Use Visual Aids: Employ your finger or a pen to guide your eyes through the text. This method, known as meta-guiding, can enhance focus and speed.
Practice with Purpose: Regularly practice scanning techniques to improve your ability to locate specific information quickly. This will help you become more efficient during the OET Reading sub-test.
Combining Both Techniques
In the OET Reading sub-test, you'll often need to use skimming and scanning together. Start by skimming the text to understand its structure and main ideas. Then, scan for specific information required to answer the questions. This combined approach ensures both speed and accuracy.
Practice Makes Perfect
Like any skill, mastering skimming and scanning requires consistent practice. Incorporate these techniques into your daily reading habits. Over time, you'll notice an improvement in your reading speed and comprehension, which will be beneficial not only for the OET but also in your professional life.
By honing your skimming and scanning skills, you'll navigate the OET Reading sub-test more efficiently, allowing you to manage your time effectively and achieve a higher score. It will also enhance your abilities in all the other sub-skill tests.