SUPPLEMENTARY 4
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.
No.of Units
SUPPLY AND DEMAND FOR DAEWOO
CARS (2001-2005)
7,000
6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
0
DEMAND
SUPPLY
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
Year
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.
POSITIONS IN PUNCHAK EMAS SDN BHD
90
80
PERCENTAGE
70
60
MALE
50
FEMALE
40
30
20
10
0
SENIOR
EXECUTIVES
EXECUTIVE
Senior Executive = Highest Position
CLERICAL
STAFF
SUPPORT
STAFF
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
Accountants
Architects
Doctors
YEAR
MALAY
CHINESE
INDIAN
OTHERS
TOTAL
1985
110
1,115
105
112
1,442
1990
692
4,524
346
77
5,639
1995
1,384
6,655
627
75
8,741
1985
56
432
6
13
507
1990
231
728
12
8
979
1995
365
943
20
3
1,331
1985
279
1,029
1,388
159
2,855
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. ………………………………………………………..[
]
EXERCISE 1
Key answers:
Introduction
The purpose of the chart:
i. To compare working positions according to gender in Puncak Emas Sdn Bhd in
2005.
Descriptions
Women:
i. 60% of workers in the lowest job category (support staff) are women – the highest
percentage of women in any job category in Puncak Emas.
ii. At senior executives level, women have the lowest number – only 10%.
iii. More women hold executive titles but the number still lowers than male executive
(40% to 60% ratio).
iv. There is equal number of women and men workers in the clerical job category.
Men:
i. There is a striking difference in the number between male senior execs and female
senior execs. More male staff holds this position, the highest percentage of men in any
job category.
ii. At the executive level, male workers still dominate the job category (60%: 40%).
iii. Male workers are only outnumbered in lowest job position, support staff category.
Conclusion
i. The majority of females were in the low position job category.
ii. The majority of men were in the higher position job category.
iii. Higher position job may require longer working hours. Women may not be able to
cope such long hours. They have other responsibilities at home.
* There may be many other possible conclusions.
EXERCISE 2
Answers:
1. The number of Indian accountants doubled from 1990 to 1995. …................[F ]
2. From 1985 to 1995, the number of architects for all the races showed
a sharp increase. ……………………………………………………………….. [ F ]
3. In 1985, the number of Chinese doctors ranked first while the number
of Malay doctors ranked third. ………………………………………………… [ F ]
4. The only professionals under the “Others” category who showed an
incease from 1985 to 1995 were the doctors. ………………………………. [ T ]
5. In 1995, the number of Chinese doctors tripled that of 1985. ……………….[ T ]
6. In 1990, the least popular profession among the Malays was accounting. [ F ]
7. In 1985, the number of Chinese architects was more than eight
times that of Malay architects. …………………………………………………..[ F ]
8. The ratio of Malay to Indian accountants in 1990 was 2:1. ………………….[ T ]
9. In 1995, the total number of doctors under the “Others” category was greater than
the total number of Malay doctors in 1985. ……………………………….. [ F ]
10. In 1995, the number of Indian architects was smaller that the number
of Malay architects in 1985. ……………………………………………………… [ T ]