UNIVERSIDAD YACAMBÙ

Reading techniques for translations

Scanning is a technique you often use when looking up a word in the telephone book or dictionary. You search for key words or ideas. In most cases, you know what you're looking for, so you're concentrating on finding a particular answer. Scanning involves moving your eyes quickly down the page seeking specific words and phrases. Scanning is also used when you first find a resource to determine whether it will answer your questions. Once you've scanned the document, you might go back and skim it.

When scanning, look for the author's use of organizers such as numbers, letters, steps, or the words, first, second, or next. Look for words that are bold faced, italics, or in a different font size, style, or colour. Sometimes the author will put key ideas in the margin.

Hints and tips for better scanning.

1. Don't try to read every word. Instead let your eyes move quickly across the page until you find what you are looking for.

2. Use clues on the page, such as headings and titles, to help you.

3. In a dictionary or phone book, use the 'header' words to help you scan. You can find these in bold type at the top of each page.

4. If you are reading for study, start by thinking up or writing down some questions that you want to answer. Doing this can focus your mind and help you find the facts or information that you need more easily.

5. Many texts use A-Z order. These include everyday materials such as the phone book and indexes to books and catalogues.

6. There are many ways to practise scanning skills. Try looking up a favourite recipe in the index of a cookbook, search for a plumber in your local Yellow Pages, or scan web pages on the Internet to find specific information.

Exercises

Reading: Scanning work sheet 1 – Questions

Before starting the worksheet, print out the “Green Arrow” job advert and have it to hand.

“Green Arrow” are looking for extra staff before Christmas. Scan the advert quickly to try and find the answers to these questions – remember you don´t need to read every word.

Questions:

1.- When do these jobs start?.

This job starts from late November until December.

2.- True or false? The work will last for about a month.

True

3.- What type of work is on offer?.

Helping to sort and deliver parcels in the reading area.

4.- What kind of people are Green Arrow looking for?.

Green arrow is looking people enthusiastic and reliable.

5.- What shift patterns are available.

Early, late or night shifts.

6.- Where is the job based?.

The job is based in deliver parcels in the reading area.

7.- True or false? The work involves travel around the UK.

False.

8.- How much will you earn per hour if you are aged 18?.

Over £ 5.10 per hour.

9.- True or false? You will get paid extra for working on saturday.

False, because the paid rates are weekdays including saturdays and per hours.

10.- Who should you contact at Green Arrow to get an application form?

With Elaine Grey, Personnel Officer.

11.- True or false? You can leave a message on an answering machine.

False, because the phone will be answered 24 hours.

12.- What is the company´s email address?.

The e-mail of the company is [email protected].

13.- It is the 1^st of november. Is there still time to apply for a job?.

yes, the closing date: 10th november.

14.- True or false? The minimum age for this job is 18.

False, the minimum age for this job is 16.

15.- Do you need a driving licence to apply for a job with Green Arrow?.

It’s not necessary because it’s not specified.