Skimming and Scanning

Reading and Text Analysis - English Language

Title: Finding the Gist – Skimming & Scanning Practice

Instructions for Students:

  1. Scan the QR code on your slide to open the worksheet.
  2. Read the passage quickly to get the general idea (skim).
  3. Highlight the main idea of the passage in yellow.
  4. Highlight supporting details in green.
  5. Answer the multiple-choice question at the end: “Which sentence best summarizes the passage?”
  6. Submit your answers online.

Differentiation:

  • High: Identify the main idea + 3 supporting details; explain why these details are important.
  • Mid: Highlight the main idea + 2 supporting details.
  • Low: Highlight the main idea; drag-and-drop key sentences from a list.
  • SEN: Listen to the audio version of the passage and highlight key words/phrases digitally.

Passage for Students

"The Great Barrier Reef, located off the coast of Australia, is the largest coral reef system in the world. It stretches over 2,300 kilometers and is home to thousands of species of fish, corals, and other marine life. Scientists study the reef to understand marine ecosystems and monitor its health. Unfortunately, rising ocean temperatures and pollution are causing coral bleaching, which threatens the survival of the reef. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this natural wonder for future generations."

Example Multiple-Choice Question (for Liveworksheets)

Question: Which sentence best summarizes the passage?
A) The Great Barrier Reef is a popular tourist destination.
B) The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world, but it faces threats like coral bleaching.
C) Scientists study all reefs in the world.
D) Coral reefs do not support marine life.

Answer: B

Ancient Greece

Reading and Text Analysis - English Language

Read the text about Ancient Greece 

Ancient Greece was one of the most influential civilizations in world history. It developed around 800 BCE in southeastern Europe, on the rocky coasts and islands of the Mediterranean Sea. Because the land was mountainous, Greeks lived in small, independent city-states rather than one large empire. Two of the most famous city-states were Athens and Sparta.

 

Athens is remembered for its achievements in art, philosophy, and government. It was the birthplace of democracy, a system in which free male citizens could vote on important issues. Thinkers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle questioned the nature of knowledge, justice, and the universe. Artists and architects built temples, statues, and theaters that are still admired today.

 

Sparta, by contrast, focused on military strength. Boys began training to be soldiers at a very young age, and the society valued discipline, bravery, and loyalty. Women in Sparta had more freedom than in Athens, but the culture was centered on preparing for war.

 

The Greeks also made lasting contributions to sports, literature, and science. The Olympic Games, first held in 776 BCE, honored the god Zeus and brought athletes together from across Greece. Writers like Homer told epic stories such as the Iliad and the Odyssey. Scientists and mathematicians like Archimedes and Pythagoras studied the natural world and developed ideas that are still taught today.

 

Today, many people admire Ancient Greece for its creativity and ideas. Some believe it shaped much of Western civilization. The influence of Greek democracy, philosophy, and art can still be seen in modern governments, schools, and culture around the world.

 

Task: 

Read the text. Decide if each statement is a Fact or an Opinion.

 

  1. Ancient Greece developed around 800 BCE in southeastern Europe.
  2. Athens was the birthplace of democracy.
  3. Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle were important Greek thinkers.
  4. Sparta was the best city-state in Ancient Greece.
  5. The Olympic Games honored the god Zeus.
  6. Homer wrote the Iliad and the Odyssey.
  7. Greek culture is more interesting than Roman culture.
  8. Ancient Greece shaped much of Western civilization.

 

 

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