聽力文本：

"To scan" is sometimes used to mean to look for a very specific piece of information: a telephone number or a name.

Whereas "to skim" usually implies you are looking for general information, but you're not necessarily looking for one piece of information.

I'm skimming the background information to make sure that I haven't missed anything.

I was making good progress, but then I was feeling thirsty, so I decide to take a quick break, which is the subject of our next lesson.

Now that we've analyzed and discussed the vocabulary related to working at your desk, let's listen again to this description of what happened at the desk, this time speaking at a normal rate of speech.

When I get back to my desk, I clear off a few stacks of paper on top of my desk so I have some space to work.

I open the computer file I have been working on for the past week.

This document is a report that is due next week and the deadline is fast approaching.

I open my filing cabinet and take out two files and a manila envelope that has the information I need in them.

I look around for the pad of paper I used to jot down some ideas yesterday, and take out the paper clips, stapler, and Scotch tape I know I'll also need.

Now I have everything in front of me so I can get down to business.

The first thing I have to do is get organized.

I scan the information I have in front of me and take notes on the things I want to include in the report.
Before I analyze the data for the report, I need to skim the background information to make sure I haven't missed anything.

I was making good progress but I'm feeling thirsty, so I decide to take a quick break.

I hope listening to this story about working at your desk has taught you some new vocabulary that you can use when you're working in your own office.

Our fourth lesson is now complete, and in the next lesson, number five, I'm going to talk about taking a break and eating lunch - my favorite parts of the day!

This course has been a production of the Center for Educational Development, in beautiful Los Angeles, California. Visit our website at eslpod.com.

This course was produced by Dr. Jeff McQuillan and Dr. Lucy Tse. Copyright 2008.