You read signposts, advertisements, storybooks and textbooks. Reading the right way can go a long way to help you understand the material you are reading. Reading is done for comprehension. Reading comprehension is an important aspect of the English language curriculum, and it helps to develop your understanding of given texts. Some reading techniques will enable you to read texts effectively and understand them readily. Knowing these techniques would help you to apply them in real-life situations and in the world of work.
The reading techniques include Scanning, Skimming and Close reading.
Skimming
Skimming is a reading technique where you quickly glance through a text to grasp the main ideas and general overview without focusing on every detail. This approach to reading helps you understand the overall content of the text without reading every word.
Scanning
In reading, scanning refers to when you read a text quickly to find specific facts or pieces of information. This technique allows readers to locate key points without having to read the entire text thoroughly.
Can you tell the difference between scanning and skimming now? You would notice that scanning aims at getting specific/particular facts or information while skimming looks for the general or the main information of the text.
Close Reading
Close Reading is a method of reading that focuses on specific details of a text or passage to detect the meaning of the text. It involves examining the specific details and language used in a text or passage and allows you to uncover deeper meanings, themes, and nuances. This approach requires readers to analyse closely the text structure, language, and literary devices to gain a comprehensive understanding of the purpose of the work and the overall significance of the text.
Steps to Close Reading
1. Read and understand the text, with a focus on the main elements and the vital details.
2. Reflect on the organisation/arrangement and patterns in the text.
3. Read the text again with a focus on organisational patterns.
Climate change is having a profound impact on Ghana’s agricultural sector. Rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns are affecting crop yields and food security. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Ghana’s agricultural production has decreased by 10% over the past five years due to climate-related factors.
In the northern region, farmers are struggling to grow staple crops like maize and millet due to drought. The Ghana Meteorological Agency reports that rainfall in the region has decreased by 20% over the past decade. This has led to food shortages and increased poverty among farming communities.
The government has launched initiatives to promote climate-resilient agriculture. These include the introduction of drought-tolerant crop varieties and irrigation systems. Additionally, farmers are being trained in conservation agriculture techniques to reduce soil erosion and improve water retention.
In the southern region, coastal erosion and flooding are threatening farming communities. The Ghana Coastal Commission estimates that over 1,000 acres of farmland have been lost to coastal erosion in the past year. Farmers are calling for urgent action to protect their livelihoods. To address these challenges, Ghana needs to invest in climate-resilient infrastructure and sustainable agricultural practices. This requires collaboration between government, farmers, and international partners. By working together, Ghana can ensure food security and economic growth for its citizens.
READING TASKS
Skimming:
1. What is the main topic of the passage?
2. What are the key points mentioned?
Scanning:
1. Find the percentage decrease in Ghana’s agricultural production due to climate change.
2. Identify the regions mentioned in the passage.
3. Locate the name of the government agency responsible for promoting climate-resilient agriculture.
Close Reading:
1. Analyze the impact of climate change on farming communities in the northern region.
2. Explain the initiatives launched by the government to promote climate-resilient agriculture.
3. Discuss the importance of collaboration in addressing climate-change