English FAL R19
Build a Paragraph That Makes One Clear Point
Turn loose sentences into a focused paragraph using a topic sentence, supporting detail and clear links between the ideas.
12 min · beginner · certificate
English FAL Step 2 of 10 beginner Free
Skim, Scan or Read Closely?
Learn three reading speeds and when to use each one. Stop reading every text in exactly the same way, and stop running out of time in comprehension.
By the end, you can
choose between skimming, scanning and close reading based on what you need to find or understand.
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Skim, Scan or Read Closely?
QUEST FAL-SKIM-SCAN
One text, three speeds
You do not read a bus timetable the same way you read a poem. Good readers change speed depending on what they need.
Learners who run out of time in a comprehension exam are usually reading everything at one speed — the slowest one. They close-read the whole passage, then close-read it again looking for each answer.
Three speeds are worth knowing: skimming, scanning and close reading. 👀
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What you'll cover
- 1 One text, three speedsfree preview above
- 2 Skim for the big picture
- 3 Scan for one detail
- 4 Close-read for meaning
- 5 Switch when the task changes
- 6 Let purpose choose the method
- 7 Where it goes wrong
- 8 A 20-second decision
- 9 The challenge
- 10 What to take with you
Your certificate
Pass the challenge and it arrives straight away as a PDF. Add it to your CV or LinkedIn, and anyone can check it's real.
Certificate of completion
Your name here
has completed the MicroQuest
Skim, Scan or Read Closely?
LCA-2026-••••••••
Verify at skillsyms.com/verify
Next on the English FAL path · step 3 of 10
Summarise Without Copying Everything
12 min · Free
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The whole English FAL path → All High School MicroQuests → Browse all 134 →
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Skim, Scan or Read Closely?: questions
How long does Skim, Scan or Read Closely? take?
About 12 minutes: 10 short lessons, 2 quick checks and a 5-question final challenge. Your progress is saved after every step, so you can stop and carry on later.
How much does Skim, Scan or Read Closely? cost?
It is free. There is no card to enter, and you still get a certificate when you pass.
What do I need to pass?
4 out of 5 on the final challenge (80%). The quick checks along the way help you learn and do not count towards your mark.
Is the certificate accredited?
No. A MicroQuest is informal learning. Your certificate proves you completed it and has a number and QR code anyone can verify, but it is not an accredited qualification or SETA/QCTO credits, and it says so.
Can I do it on my phone?
Yes. Tap Start to learn in your phone’s browser, or send QUEST FAL-SKIM-SCAN to 076 263 6000 on WhatsApp. It is the same MicroQuest and the same certificate either way.
Skim, Scan or Read Closely?
Free · 12 min · certificate