1. Scanning for information

3. What is scanning? Scanning is not reading every word in the text. Scanning looking at a text and quickly finding information. For example. As quickly as you can find out from the following text how big a Redfin fish grows. When you have found the information raise your hand. Your teacher will time how long it takes. Of the original ten English Perch or Redfin as they are known here, received from England in 1868 only seven survived. From these seven have come the Countless millions of Redfin found in Australia today. The Redfin’s popularity as an angling fish stems from the fact that it is found in a wide variety of waters, grows to a large size, has excellent eating qualities, and can be caught on wet flies, spinners and baits.

4. Lets try again! This time scan the text for the names of the two British legends mentioned. In modern times many people live in cities or Urban areas. Although people Have many books to read and films to view, stories about strange events and happenings in city life are still sometimes passed on by word of mouth. Such stories are called ‘urban myths’ or ‘urban legends’. Like the old British legends of King Arthur or Robin Hood, they have no known author and have been passed on by word of mouth.

5. A challenge! This is a competition to see who can scan a text for information the fastest. When you have found the information raise your hand and turn your page over. Look at the text you have been given. (English Mosaic p48 Bushfires). Scan the text to find the following information. When should people leave their house if a bushfire happens? What is it very dangerous to store near a house? In which paragraph does it mention the fire brigade? What should people do with their lawn? What should people do with their cars?

6. Scanning your own book Partner challenge Using the book you are reading, set a scanning challenge for your partner. Find some words or events that happen on a page of your book. Decide on three words or events on that page that your partner must find. For example: In which paragraph does the word Norway appear? What was the taxi driver wearing? Write out your three questions then give them to your partner. Time how long it takes for your partner to scan the text and find the information. Can you beat your partners time?