The best way to find key words is to use scanning by looking quickly through the text. Your eyes move across and down through the text without reading it in your normal way.
Also, another source which tells you how to find key words is the subject or the source of the text. Look at the text CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION – THE NEW NORM. This title can help you understand that key words must concern any kinds of norms or be connected with norms.
E.g.: in paragraph 1 it is possible to point out the following key words: cross-cultural communication, norm, to work, distance.
Task: Find 4-5 key words in each paragraph
Follow the three-step strategy to make finding the answer easier.
Step 1 – Survey the text:
Look at any parts of the text that stand out:
the title, section headings or subheadings,
any words in special print (bold,italics, CAPITALS or underlined).
Step 2 – Make sure you know what you are looking for:
scan for key words or synonyms by looking over the text,
do not read every word.
Step 3 – Select 5-10 key words for the whole text:
Reference words
Reference words are nouns (called the referents), pronouns or some expressions referred to. The correct reference is NOT always the noun that is closest to the pronoun in the passage.
The correct choices are usually other nouns that appear in the passage. If you are unable to decide immediately which referent is correct, substitute the possible choices for the word that is being asked about.
E.g.: Structurally, the word combination the cohesion of the team should be the referent for the pronoun it in the following sentence: Team members should not damage the cohesion of the team or prevent it from becoming more effective. However the author makes a logical mistake because of the two nouns the cohesion can be damaged but the team can be prevented from becoming more effective.
Task: What is the referent for the following italicized phrase?
In the sentence: However, some learning the basics about culture and at least something about the language of communication in different countries is important.
What is important? learning (the basics and something) is importantorsomething (about the language)is important?