Skimming and scanning are very important reading techniques. In short, skimming refers to looking through material quickly to gather a general sense of the ideas, information, or topic itself. When you skim, you read through an article three to four times faster than when you read each word.

Scanning refers to reading through material to find specific information. When you scan, you run your eyes over text or information to pull out specific words, phrases, or data. For example:

You quickly go through a twenty-page report in a few minutes, and determine the overall subject, tone, and a few key points. This is skimming.

You pick up the newspaper in the doctor's office, thumb through the first few pages, and gather the gist of the events happening in the world. This is skimming.

You flip through an accounting report to find a particular set of data. This is scanning.

You open the classified section of a newspaper, find the automobile section, and then mark a few cars within your price range. This is scanning.

Skimming and scanning work in tandem. For English learners, both techniques should always be encouraged because, with practice, students realize that every word doesn't need to be read and fully understood. Good skimming and scanning skills means that they will no longer be so strictly bound by the text, nor their reading and comprehension speed. There are applications both inside and outside the classroom.

How to write a Welcome Letter?

The welcome letter doesn't have to be perceived as complicated in any way. In fact, if written correctly, the welcome letter should be simple and to the point. It's helpful to make sure that your welcome letter is written either on organization letterhead or, if approved, consider using themed stationery from your local stationery store (this always gives a better impression).

It's important to make sure you include several items in your welcome letter, including the following:

• Date
• Salutation can be personalized or use event title followed by "attendee".
• First paragraph conveys a "welcome" message.
• Body paragraph conveys "agenda" information (attachments).
• Closing paragraph conveys "appreciation" to guests.
• Signature line from event host, including title.

Frequently, if you choose to personalize the letter, it's helpful to insert the attendee's actual program choices into the letter. This is optional. If you do, make sure these details are inserted and listed after the second paragraph -- and referenced as such.

How to write a Newsletter?

A newsletter is a piece of written communication intended to promote a business or a cause, advance the objectives of voluntary organizations, or just maintain communication amongst family and friends. The traditional newsletter is a printed document that you send through the mail, but today electronic newsletters have become very popular; you can email them out to many people, or just post them on a website. Whether online or on paper, writing a newsletter comes with its own set of guidelines to success. This web page gives tips and advice on how to write a newsletter.

Here are some tips on writing your newsletter:

Relevant. Keep the content on topic. If you are creating a newsletter for your dry cleaning company, do not write newsletter articles about the strategic use of trenches in World War I.

Useful. Give topical information that the reader can actually use. Good articles; stuff that will be of value, not just page-filler.

To the Point. No one likes a newsletter that drivels on and on. People want to be able to access useful information quickly and easily. A newsletter should not be an information treasure hunt.

How to write a Memorandum of Understanding?

What is an MOU?

An MOU is a document used to describe a common understanding of a working relationship between two or more parties. The document is not as binding as a contract, but outlines a commitment between the parties to work together collaboratively toward the same purpose or goals related to the use of shared resources or services.

MOUs can be powerful tools for school partners. Such written agreements improve communication between partners, offer access to resources, strengthen partnerships, and provide a framework for addressing issues of mutual concern.

Why is an MOU important?

MOUs build collaborative relationships: The process of actually negotiating an MOU between a high school and a higher education partner builds a more collaborative working relationship, provides more empathy and a deeper understanding of partner issues, and results in more refined solutions to existing problems.

MOUs identify the structure for the partnership: The MOU provides a structure for the working relationship and clarifies how each partner will further the collaboration. For example, higher education institutions are home to multiple schools and programs with extensive expertise. The MOU identifies the specific resources and departments that will support the partnership and defines how each will be used. In addition, language clarifying the type of staff, scope of work, job descriptions, and provided services helps formalize the partnership. Most importantly, the MOU defines the specific commitments between partners to meet mutually agreed upon goals.