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Reading Strategies:
skimming and scanning
 Reading techniques 2

 Skimming and scanning are reading techniques that use rapid eye movement and
keywords to move quickly through text for slightly different purposes.
 Skimming is reading rapidly in order to get a general overview of the material.
 Scanning is reading rapidly in order to find specific facts.
 While skimming tells you what general information is within a section, scanning helps
you locate a particular fact. Skimming is like snorkeling, and scanning is more like
pearl diving.
What is skimming? 3

Skimming is a strategic, selective reading method in which

you focus on the main ideas of a text. When skimming,
deliberately skip text that provides details, stories, data, or
other elaboration. Instead of closely reading every word,
focus on the introduction, chapter summaries, first and last
sentences of paragraphs, bold words, and text features.
Skimming is extracting the essence of the author’s main
messages rather than the finer points.
What is scanning? 4

Scanning is a reading technique to be used when you want to

find specific information quickly. In scanning you have a
question in your mind and you read a passage only to find
the answer, ignoring unrelated information.
How to Skim: 5

 * Read the title.

 * Read the introduction or the first paragraph.
 * Read the first sentence of every other paragraph.
 * Read any headings and sub-headings.
 * Notice any pictures, charts, or graphs.
 * Notice any italicized or boldface words or phrases.
 * Read the summary or last paragraph.
How to Scan: 6

 * State the specific information you are looking for.

 * Try to anticipate how the answer will appear and what clues you
might use to help you locate the answer. For example, if you were
looking for a certain date, you would quickly read the paragraph
looking only for numbers.
 * Use headings and any other aids that will help you identify which
sections might contain the information you are looking for.
 * Selectively read and skip through sections of the passage.
 Key Differences Between Skimming 7
and Scanning
 Skimming can be defined as a type of reading in which the reader reads the text quickly to have an
idea of the concept, subject matter, main points and gist, without paying close attention to the
excessive detail. On the other hand, scanning refers to the reading technique, in which the reader
moves his eyes over the entire text in order to locate specific keywords which he/she has in his/her
mind.
 Skimming is a quick reading method, whereas scanning is a selective reading method.
 While skimming involves reading out the maximum amount of material in the minimum time,
scanning is a method of searching out something in a fast manner.
 Skimming technique is used with the aim of taking an insight of what is contained in the study
material, without reading it word for word. On the contrary, when the reader uses scanning he/she
wants to find out the specific fact, keyword or information, of his/her need.
 Skimming is used to get acquainted with the text you have not read yet. Conversely, in the case of
scanning the reader has the knowledge of what he/she is looking for, in the given text.
Similarities between skimming and 8
scanning
SKIMMING SCANNING
1. Skimming is a quick reading 1. Scanning is a quick reading
technique technique
2. It saves a lot of time and energy 2. It saves a lot of time and energy
3. It has a focus on a single purpose 3. It has a focus on a single purpose
4. Quick eye movements is 4. Quick eye movements is
involved involved
CONCLUSION 9

In conclusion, it is a good idea to manage your time in the

reading section of the test to ensure you have sufficient time
to answer each question as accurately as you can. Time
management means budgeting your time.

Use skimming (to predict) and scanning (to find) to help with
the management of these tasks.
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