• An introductory exercise to teach the difference between skimming and scanning is this:
  
  • Take a readingcomprehension text that is not too difficult.
  • Ask the students to first read the text quickly and then think of a title for the text and/or each paragraph. It's important to give them a time limit, so they are not able to read everything in detail. If this task is too difficult, begin by asking them to use a highlighter to mark words they think are important. Keep the time pressure on!
  • For scanning, give them more time. Supply them with questions about the text that require detailed answers which they can only find by reading carefully and sometimes changing the language slightly. Explain the importance of reading the questions first, particularly on standardized tests.
  • Once they students can locate the information and understand the subtle changes that may be made in the wording of the questions or answers, they can create their own reading comprehension questions. This is a great way to get them to pick through texts and look for useable detail.
  • Ask each student to make a multiple choice test based on the same text.
  • Compare the questions and alternatives and choose the best ones for a sample test.
  • Even better, divide the group in two and ask each half to prepare a test for the other half.

• Paraphrasing can be tricky because students will want to use that skill when writing, and there can be grey area between paraphrasing and plagiarism. Be sure to explain this.

• Finally, summarizing skills can be taught by moving from the shortest possible summary to a broader one.
  
  • Ask the students to start by summarizing the text (book, article,review, description) in just one phrase - not even a complete sentence. Reduce the information to its essence.
  • Build up from there, moving to whole sentences, groups of sentences, a well-organized paragraph and finally to three, four or five paragraphs (including an introduction & conclusion).

Good luck!

Hoa Huong Duong, Vietnam
As a Vietnamese English teacher, I've found that we can improve reading skills for students by :

1. Translating short paragraphs (not sentences) from Vietnamese to English. The paragraphs must be the translation from English writings which will be referred to as key.
2. Through the "translation" exercises, students can find out by themselves idioms, phasal verbs, and especially how to express their ideas in anEnglish way of thinking, not Vietnamese.
3. Finally, give them writing assignments about what they're interested in, for example : Will you live with your parents after your marriage or not ? How is a nice colleague?

Wish you success.

Silvia Tamara, Peru
Ngu, a time limit is very important. When skimming, make them read quickly 2 or 3 times and exchange information after each try. If needed, and the end, make them aware of how much time they've spent to get the general idea. In scanning, help them identify exactly what they have to look for. After the time limit, they can discuss their answers. In summarising, underlining the main ideas is useful. They can exchange opinions with a classmate and work together on paraphrasing that idea. Hope you find some of this useful.