Search reading to locate information
For Urquhart and Weir (1998: 103), search reading “involves locating information on predetermined topics”. Readers use search reading when they want to find information to answer certain questions in a reading test. It differs from skimming to establish a macro-propositional structure for the whole text. The search will primarily involve keeping an eye on words in the same or related semantic field, such as using titles, subtitles and other discourse clues (Van Dijk, 1977: 79). The reader may contribute formal knowledge of text structure to assist in the search process. As with skimming, where the selected text is identified as being important, search reading will be carried out more carefully by candidates in a reading test.