Assessment 4
Due 2025
,TMS3719
ASSESSMENT 04
Due 2025
Question 1
1.1 Pre-Reading Activities for Enhancing Reading with Understanding
1.1.1 Scanning
Scanning, a strategy where learners seek specific information such as names or
keywords without reading every word (Grabe & Stoller, 2019), assumes that targeted
reading enhances comprehension by reducing cognitive demands. In an additional
language classroom, scanning fosters understanding by enabling Grade 10 learners to
locate key details efficiently, crucial for those with limited proficiency. For example,
using the provided newspaper article, a pre-reading task might involve finding the social
media lawyer’s name (Emma Sadleir) or her book’s title. This focuses attention on
discrete elements, building confidence and revealing text structure (Aebersold & Field,
1997).
Critically, scanning assumes learners can distinguish relevant from irrelevant
information, yet additional language learners may struggle with unfamiliar vocabulary,
necessitating scaffolded tasks. A tension arises between efficiency and depth: while
scanning promotes quick information retrieval, over-reliance risks superficial
engagement, potentially undermining holistic comprehension. Teachers must balance
task specificity with opportunities for deeper text interaction. Long-term, scanning
cultivates strategic reading skills, preparing learners for real-world tasks like navigating
digital media, though its efficacy depends on consistent practice and explicit instruction.
1.1.2 Skimming
Skimming, reading quickly to grasp main ideas through headings or topic sentences
(Grabe & Stoller, 2019), assumes that forming a text’s gist enhances comprehension by
activating prior knowledge.
, In the Grade 10 classroom, a skimming activity might involve reading the first sentence
of each paragraph in the article to identify its central theme (e.g., online dangers for
teenagers). This aligns with schema theory, as learners construct a mental framework
to anticipate content (Anderson, 1994), particularly beneficial for additional language
learners facing complex texts.
However, skimming assumes learners can infer meaning from limited input, which may
be challenging if vocabulary or cultural context is unfamiliar. A contradiction emerges:
skimming encourages broad understanding but risks oversimplification, potentially
missing nuanced arguments. Teachers must guide learners to verify initial impressions
through detailed reading. Long-term, skimming fosters predictive reading skills,
applicable to academic and professional contexts, but requires careful modeling to
avoid misinterpretation. By integrating skimming with subsequent tasks, teachers can
bridge initial impressions with deeper analysis, enhancing overall comprehension
(Richards & Renandya, 2002).
1.2 Teaching Scanning and Skimming Using the Provided Text
To teach scanning and skimming effectively using the article, a structured lesson plan
integrates both strategies, critically examining their assumptions and implications. The
approach scaffolds learning for Grade 10 additional language learners, ensuring
accessibility and fostering critical engagement.
Teaching Scanning
• Objective: Enable learners to locate specific information accurately and
efficiently.
• Activity: Distribute a worksheet with targeted questions, such as “Who is the
social media lawyer?” (Answer: Emma Sadleir) or “What is the book title in
paragraph 2?” (Answer: Selfies, Sexts and Smartphones: Teenager’s Online
Survival Guide). Learners scan the text to find answers without reading fully.
• Implementation: Introduce scanning by explaining its purpose: retrieving key
details swiftly. Model the process by projecting the text and locating “Emma