In intensive reading, the emphasis is on details that support the main points picked out at the skimming level. When comprehension level needs to be high, reading for recall or accuracy is performed through surveying structure and reading phrases. This reading features close re-reading and note-taking, very often accompanied by summary writing. When preparing for an examination, a close and accurate interpretation of a text is essential and requires intensive reading skills.

matching
the graphs, tables, diagrams with explanations related to them.

defining
the scientific texts from the genre viewpoint.

recognising
the relationship between the concepts.
the relationships between the ideas.

Scientific texts are characterized by conciseness with the concepts related, sometime dependent on each other. Understanding how language is utilized to present thought is essential. Comprehension of academic texts is easier if students are familiar with methods of text development, e.g. cause-and-effect relations, exemplification, definitions, comparisons, and the connectors associated with some of them. Science textbooks are heavily illustrated. These visual forms of communication replace verbal communication and need to be carefully read and comprehended.