Locating information in text

1. When you go
someplace new, you
probably look around
quickly to get a basic
understanding of
your surroundings.
How Do I Locate Information in Documents?
Previewing the Text
This same skill can help you
read informational texts.

2. When you preview the text, you quickly look at
the text for clues to its content.
Previewing the text’s organization often provides you
with a clear idea of what the document is about.
• titles and subheadings
• boldface, numbered,
or bulleted items
• illustrations and photos
Look at
• subject lines of memos
How Do I Locate Information in Documents?
Previewing the Text

3. When you preview, look over the document
without reading every word.
Replacing Your Cell
Phone Battery
1. Turn off your phone.
2. Depress the latch button on the
rear of the battery compartment.
3. Slide the cover to the left to
reveal the battery.
1. Read the title.
2. Notice the numbers that
indicate a step-by-step
organization.
3. Read the boldface and
italic items.
4. Use all of the clues to
predict the content.
How Do I Locate Information in Documents?
Previewing the Text

4. There are different styles of reading for different
situations.
When reading
documents, you
can save time
by skimming
and scanning.
How Do I Locate Information in Documents?
Skimming and Scanning

5. When you skim, you read for main points.
People often skim when they have a lot of
material to read in a short time. They may
review charts and headings
in a science textbook before
a test
glance at newspaper
headlines
How Do I Locate Information in Documents?
Skimming and Scanning

6. Skimming a document happens quickly: STEPS TO SKIM
New Cafeteria Procedure
This year the lunch line will move
faster! A new labeling system will
simplify your choices.
Making a Choice: Check the large
electronic board on the cafeteria wall
listing the day’s menu choices. . . .
Getting Your Food: Each selection
will be labeled with a number 2
inside a dotted triangle. This number
will correspond with the same. . . .
1. Read titles and
subheadings.
2. Read the first line
or two of each
paragraph.
4. Decide whether
the text contains
the information
you need.
3. Look at
illustrations.
New Cafeteria Procedure
This year the lunch line will move
faster! A new labeling system will
simplify your choices
Making a Choice: Check the large
electronic board on the cafeteria wall
listing the day’s menu choices. . . .
Getting Your Food: Each selection
will be labeled with a number 2
inside a dotted triangle. This number
will correspond with the same. . . .
How Do I Locate Information in Documents?
Skimming and Scanning

7. When you scan, you look for information that is
closely related to what you want to learn. Scanning
might include
looking for an author’s
name in a table of
contents
looking in a geography book
for the name of the highest
mountain in the United States
How Do I Locate Information in Documents?
Skimming and Scanning

8. You scan a document to find specific information.
Auditions for The Wizard of Oz
Davis High School’s Fall Production
this year will be the fabulous
Wizard of Oz!
Auditions will be held
Date: Monday, August 30
Time: 5:30-8:30 PM
Place: Fine Arts Facility
Multiple speaking and singing parts
are available. Come join the fun!
1. Start at the beginning
of the passage.
To find the location of
the auditions
2. Move your eyes quickly
over the lines.
3. Look for key words
related to the
information you want
to find.
How Do I Locate Information in Documents?
Skimming and Scanning