Step 1 – Survey the text

Surveying has already been discussed several times in this book. Can you remember what to look at when you survey? A list of headings can give you some useful information to help you quickly understand what each part of the text will be about.

Step 2 – Skim read each paragraph

Every paragraph deals with a specific aspect of a topic. The first sentence of a paragraph will most probably tell the you what the rest of the paragraph is about so when you are trying to identify the main idea of a paragraph, you should read the first sentence carefully. Using this technique you will have a general idea of what the writer is saying in each paragraph.

Step 3 – Determine which heading is the best match for each of the paragraphs marked by the numbers.

(Note that you are trying to identify topics only.) This will help you know where (in which paragraph or section) to scan later for the answer to a question. If the text has a lot of subheadings,it is much easier to identify text organization.

And Get Help if You Need It
Collaborative Efforts – a Must!
Demand Tolerance
Developing Awareness of Individual Cultures
Keep it Simple
Understanding Cultural Diversity

Of course, when you skim-read a text you cannot get as much information from the text as when you read it all carefully, but by skimming you can quicklyget enough information to help you get context clues. Remember that efficient use of time is one of the most important skills.

You will have to adjust the speed of your skimming according to how easy the text is for you to understand. If a paragraph does not have a first sentence which gives the topic of the paragraph clearly, you have to skim more carefully. But don't forget that you should not read every word – reading every word will waste too much time.

To remind: the best way to find details quickly is to use scanning. Scanning is searching for key words or synonyms by looking quickly through the text. For example, you scan when you look for a word in a dictionary. You do not read every word as you search for the word(s) you want.

Scanning paragraphs for key words

The best way to find key words is to use scanning by looking quickly through the text. Your eyes move across and down through the text without reading it in your normal way.

Also, another source which tells you how to find key words is the subject or the source of the text. Look at the text CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION – THE NEW NORM. This title can help you understand that key words must concern any kinds of norms or be connected with norms.

E.g.: in paragraph 1 it is possible to point out the following key words: cross-cultural communication, norm, to work, distance.

Task: Find 4-5 key words in each paragraph

Follow the three-step strategy to make finding the answer easier.

Step 1 – Survey the text:

Look at any parts of the text that stand out:

the title, section headings or subheadings,

any words in special print (bold,italics, CAPITALS or underlined).

Step 2 – Make sure you know what you are looking for:

scan for key words or synonyms by looking over the text,

do not read every word.

Step 3 – Select 5-10 key words for the whole text:

Reference words

Reference words are nouns (called the referents), pronouns or some expressions referred to. The correct reference is NOT always the noun that is closest to the pronoun in the passage.

The correct choices are usually other nouns that appear in the passage. If you are unable to decide immediately which referent is correct, substitute the possible choices for the word that is being asked about.

E.g.: Structurally, the word combination the cohesion of the team should be the referent for the pronoun it in the following sentence: Team members should not damage the cohesion of the team or prevent it from becoming more effective. However the author makes a logical mistake because of the two nouns the cohesion can be damaged but the team can be prevented from becoming more effective.

Task: What is the referent for the following italicized phrase?

In the sentence: However, some learning the basics about culture and at least something about the language of communication in different countries is important.

What is important? learning (the basics and something) is importantorsomething (about the language)is important?

Linking Words

Knowing the meaning and the purpose of linking words in sentences can be very useful for academic reading. For example, in the following passage there are two linking words:

Because English is not the first language of many international business people, their use of the language may be peppered with culture-specific or non-standard English phrases, which can hamper the communication process. Both Becauseandwhichgive: consequence – which,between clauses,and reason – Because,between sentences.

The more common linking wordscan be divided into six main groups according to their purpose.

1. Showing sequence,e.g., finally, firstly, secondly, then, next, after this.

Finally, if language barriers present themselves, it may be in every one's best interest to employ a reliable, experienced translator.

2. Giving additional information,e.g., as well, even, in addition, also, besides this, as well as, and.

Be mindful of time zone differences and work to keep everyone involved aware and respectful of such differences.

3. Giving examples, e.g., for example, such as, for instance, be illustrated by.

For instance, they may observe different holidays, or even have different hours of operation.

4. Giving reasons or causes, e.g., the cause, be the result of, because of this, due to this, be caused by this, because, result from.

Because English is not the first language of many international business people ...

5. Showing contrast,e.g., but, however, though, although, while, despite, even though, whereas, on the other hand.

… We didn't all come over on the same ship, but we're all in the same boat.

Note:Even though the above linking words may be in one group, in sentences, they are often used in different ways.