SKIMMING & SCANNING

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.

Skimming is reading a text quickly to get a general idea of meaning. It can be

contrasted with scanning, which is reading in order to find specific information,
e.g. figures or names; refers to the process of reading only main ideas within a
passage to get an overall impression of the content of a reading
selection.

Example
A learner taking a reading exam decides to approach text by looking at the title,
introductions, and any diagrams and sub-headings, then skim reading to get a
clear general idea of what the text is about.

In the classroom
Skimming is a specific reading skill which is common in reading newspapers,
messages and e-mails. It is important that learners understand that there is no
need to read every word when skimming, so often teachers set this as a timed
task to encourage speed.

How to Skim:
* 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.
Scanning is reading a text quickly in order to find specific information, e.g.
figures or names. It can be contrasted with skimming, which is reading quickly to
get a general idea of meaning; 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.

Example
A learner taking a reading test needs to scan a text on population rates quickly to
find out if a series of statements about the population figures are true or false.

In the classroom
As the above example shows, scanning is a specific reading skill which is often
used in combination with others such as skimming and intensive reading.
Learners need to learn different ways and understand that choosing how to read
is an important step in building reading skills.

How to Scan:
* 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.