Human Resources Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) Essential Skills Classifications

• reading text
• using documents
• writing
• numeracy
• oral communication
• thinking skills
  • problem solving
  • decision making
  • critical thinking
  • job task planning and organizing
  • significant use of memory
  • finding information
• working with others
• computer use
• continuous learning

WORKPLACE ESSENTIAL SKILLS (AN OVERVIEW)

Reading Text

Reading text refers to reading prose that is longer than a single sentence. Text can be read on paper, a whiteboard or a screen. In the workplace, you:

• scan (read to locate specific information – involves glancing over the text to locate key words and phrases)
• skim (read rapidly to get the gist or general idea – involves glancing through the text for its main features including headings, subheadings, highlighted words, etc.)
• read the whole text to understand and to learn – involves carefully reading the text in its entirety to learn the details of the subject matter in order to respond to a wide variety of needs
• read critically to evaluate, edit or critique – involves reading the whole text with a critical eye in order to exercise judgement

• forms – reading a form can be considered reading text if there is more than one sentence to read (e.g.) a purchase order with a product description, a detailed work order, an evaluation form that cites examples, an accident report, an MSDS, etc.
• labels – reading a label can be considered reading text if there is more than one sentence to read (e.g.) directions on hair dye, hazardous goods labels, medicine labels, caution labels, etc.