This key facts covers Key rules at a glance within Reading strategies: skim, scan and trap-check for GCSE German. Revise Reading strategies: skim, scan and trap-check in Reading and Translation into English for GCSE German with 10 exam-style questions and 15 flashcards. This topic shows up very often in GCSE exams, so students should be able to explain it clearly, not just recognise the term. It is section 3 of 4 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
📌 Key rules at a glance
- Skim first: get the gist of the text before hunting for detail
- Questions first: read the questions before re-reading the text to focus your search
- Text order: questions follow the order of the passage — work through from start to finish
- Cognates help: die Musik, das Telefon, interessant, die Familie, das Problem, modern — use them, but check for false friends
- Paraphrase: the correct answer usually rephrases the text — matching a word alone is a trap
- Check negation: nicht / kein / nie can flip the meaning — always check before answering
Practice questions for Reading strategies: skim, scan and trap-check
What should you do FIRST when you receive a German reading text in the exam?
Why is it useful to read the exam questions BEFORE re-reading the text in detail?
Quick recall flashcards
Should you read the text or the questions first?
Read the QUESTIONS first.
Knowing what information you need lets you scan the text efficiently rather than re-reading it from scratch.
What does 'skimming' mean in a German reading exam?
Reading quickly to get the GIST — the overall topic and tone of the text.
Do this first, before reading in detail. Ask: what is this text about?