Scanning and Skimming Non-Linear Texts

Information can be presented in the text form or in the non-linear text form
(illustrations). Tables, charts and graphs all use non-linear texts extensively to
visualize or represent important information. This information usually consists of
facts and figures. In general, illustrations (i.e. non-linear texts) function to summarize
figures, show comparisons, highlight relationships and eventually help make
predictions.
To help you scan and skim the data presented in the illustrations, here are the basic
steps you should follow:
1. Read the title and subtitles to get the general idea of what the information all about
and the purpose of the illustration.
2. Next, read any information at the top, bottom and by the sides such as the legends.
3. Finally, for detailed information, study tall the figures given carefully.

Following is an example of the information obtained by scanning and skimming the

chart below.

Figure 1: Supply and Demand for Daewoo cars (2000 – 2005)

Introduction
Purpose of the chart: To show the supply and demand for Daewoo cars from 2001
to 2005.

Descriptions
Supply:
i. 5,000 units in 2001, higher than demand.
ii. Declined to drastically to 3,000 units.
iii. Between 2002 and 2003, supply remained the same/constant at 3,000 units (the
lowest)
iv. From 2003 onwards, supply increased steadily to 4,800 units in 2005.
Demand:
i. 3,500 units in 1998.
ii. Increased rapidly to reach 6,000 units in 2003 (the highest)
iii. From 2003, demand declined to 2,000 units.
iv. Between 2004 and 2005, it remained constant at 2,000 units.

Conclusion
i. Supply did not match with demand.
ii. Supple did not keep with demand.

Using Specific Registers

When comprehending a report, we not only need accurate interpretation but we also
need to use the correct language with specific vocabulary and phrases which clearly
describe the data presented in the illustrations.

The following are some of the most common expressions used to describe trends.
1. Upward movement [verb]
 To go up
 To rise
 To increase
 To climb
 To jump
 To grow

2. Downward movement [verb]

 To fall
 To drop
 To decline
 To decrease
  To slump in

3. Speed of change [adverb]

 Rapidly
 Steadily
 Gradually
 Slowly
 Steeply

4. Degree of change [adverb]

 Dramatically
 Significantly
 Moderately
 Slightly

EXERCISE 1
Answer the questions based on the bar chart below.
PERCENTAGE

SENIOR EXECUTIVE CLERICAL SUPPORT

EXECUTIVES STAFF STAFF

Senior Executive = Highest Position Support Staff = Lowest Position

Figure 2: Positions in Puncak Emas Sdn Bhd According to Gender (2005)

1. What is the bar chart about?

_____________________________________________________________________

2. What are the positions described in the bar chart?

__________________________________________________________________
_____

3. Which position has equal percentage of male and female?

__________________________________________________________________
_____

4. Which position has the highest percentage?

__________________________________________________________________
_____

5. Female:
a. Which position has the highest percentage?

_______________________________________________________________
_____
b. Which position has the lowest percentage?

_______________________________________________________________
_____

6. Male:
a. Which position has the highest percentage?

_______________________________________________________________
_____
b. Which position has the lowest percentage?

_______________________________________________________________
_____
7. What are the conclusions that you can make from the bar chart?
i. ____________________________________________________________________
ii. ____________________________________________________________________

8. In your opinion, why were the majority of females in the support staff
position?
__________________________________________________________________
_____

EXERCISE 2
The table below shows the number of accountants, architects and doctors by racial
composition between 1985 and 1995. Study the table below carefully. Then read the
following statements whether they are true or false. Indicate your answer by writing T for
true or F for false in the boxes provided.
PROFESSION YEAR MALAY CHINESE INDIAN OTHERS TOTAL

1985 110 1,115 105 112 1,442

Accountant
1990 692 4,524 346 77 5,639
s
1995 1,384 6,655 627 75 8,741
1985 56 432 6 13 507
Architects 1990 231 728 12 8 979
1995 365 943 20 3 1,331
1985 279 1,029 1,388 159 2,855
Doctors 1990 1,951 2,430 2,410 216 7,007
1995 3,212 3,087 3,069 241 9,609
Table 1: The Number of Accountants, Architects and Doctors by Racial Composition between 1985
and 1995

1. The number of Indian accountants doubled from 1990 to 1995. ….........[ ]

2. From 1985 to 1995, the number of architects for all the races showed a sharp
increase. …………………………………………………………………..…… [
]
3. In 1985, the number of Chinese doctors ranked first while the number of Malay
doctors ranked third. ……………………………………………………………[
]
4. The only professionals under the “Others” category who showed an increase from
1985 to 1995 were the doctors. ………………………………………… [ ]
5. In 1995, the number of Chinese doctors tripled that of 1985. ……………[ ]
6. In 1990, the least popular profession among the Malays was accounting..[ ]
7. In 1985, the number of Chinese architects was more than eight times that of Malay
architects. …………………………………………………………………[ ]
8. The ratio of Malay to Indian accountants in 1990 was 2:1. ………………[ ]
9. In 1995, the total number of doctors under the “Others” category was greater than
the total number of Malay doctors in 1985. ………..……………………[ ]
10. In 1995, the number of Indian architects was smaller that the number of Malay
architects in 1985. ………………………………………………………..[ ]