When preparing for exams or simply working through a large volume of information, it’s essential to develop efficient reading strategies. Two of the most effective techniques are skimming and scanning. These methods can significantly improve your reading speed, comprehension, and efficiency, saving valuable time while ensuring you absorb the necessary information.
In this article, we’ll explore both skimming and scanning, breaking down what each technique entails, when to use them, and how to practice them effectively. With regular use, these skills can be applied to various types of texts, from exam papers to research articles and everyday reading.
What Is Skimming?
Skimming is a technique that allows you to read quickly through a text to understand the main ideas without focusing on the finer details. It involves reading the introduction, headings, subheadings, and key sentences, enabling you to grasp the general sense of the material. Skimming is particularly useful when you need to determine whether a text is worth reading more thoroughly or when you’re reviewing large amounts of content quickly.
When to Use Skimming:
- Pre-reading for comprehension: Before diving deep into a long text, skimming helps you get an overview and understand the structure.
- Research: When sifting through multiple articles or papers, skimming allows you to identify which ones are relevant.
- Reviewing notes: Quickly run through notes or a textbook before exams to recall key concepts and ideas.
How to Skim Effectively:
- Read the title and any introductory paragraphs to get a sense of the topic.
- Focus on headings, subheadings, and bolded words, as these highlight the key themes.
- Read the first and last sentences of each paragraph, which often summarize the main points.
- If necessary, glance over examples, figures, or tables to get a sense of the text’s structure.
Skimming is particularly useful for narrative texts, essays, and articles, where you’re trying to grasp the overarching theme or message.
What Is Scanning?
Scanning is a technique used when you’re looking for specific information within a text. Unlike skimming, where you aim for a general understanding, scanning requires a targeted approach. You’re not concerned with the overall content but with finding particular facts, numbers, or names. This method involves quickly moving your eyes over the text to locate keywords or phrases.
When to Use Scanning:
- Exam preparation: Use scanning to locate specific information in textbooks or exam questions.
- Research: When searching for specific data, statistics, or quotes in articles or books.
- Daily tasks: Scanning is helpful for reading timetables, schedules, or lists when you’re looking for a particular item or piece of information.
How to Scan Effectively:
- Identify the specific word, phrase, or number you’re looking for before you start scanning.
- Keep your eyes moving rapidly over the text, focusing only on the relevant sections.
- Look for visual clues, such as bolded or italicized text, lists, or bullet points, that might help you locate the information faster.
- If scanning through tables or charts, pay attention to headings and labels to quickly zero in on the information.
This technique is particularly effective when working with factual texts, tables, schedules, or research papers that contain dense information.
How Skimming and Scanning Save Time During Exams
Both skimming and scanning are invaluable tools for students, especially when under time pressure during exams. Here’s how they can help:
- Skimming for comprehension: During exams, you may encounter long passages. Skimming allows you to quickly understand the main argument or topic of a passage, which helps answer general questions or decide which sections require deeper reading.
- Scanning for facts: Many exams require specific information, such as dates, definitions, or key facts. Scanning is perfect for locating these details quickly without wasting time reading irrelevant material.
These techniques can also help manage the common time crunch during multiple-choice sections, where you might need to quickly revisit passages to find specific answers.
Practical Exercises for Skimming and Scanning
Exercise 1: Skimming Practice
- Choose a newspaper article on a general topic (around 500 words).
- Set a timer for 2 minutes and skim the article. Focus on reading the title, subheadings, and first sentences of paragraphs.
- After the timer goes off, write down the main points of the article.
- Compare your summary with the full article to see how much information you captured.
Exercise 2: Scanning Practice
- Select a textbook chapter (around 10 pages long).
- Identify 5 specific pieces of information you want to find, such as dates, names, or key terms.
- Set a timer for 5 minutes and scan the chapter for each piece of information.
- Check your accuracy—did you locate all the information within the time frame?
Exercise 3: Combining Skimming and Scanning
- Find a lengthy online research article (about 1,000–2,000 words).
- Skim the article for 3 minutes to get the general idea.
- Next, scan the article to locate a specific section or detail, such as a statistic or study result. Note how much time you saved by using both techniques.
The Benefits of Skimming and Scanning
- Time-saving: Both techniques dramatically reduce the amount of time spent reading texts without sacrificing comprehension.
- Enhanced focus: These methods train your brain to focus only on what’s important or relevant.
- Improved study skills: Skimming and scanning are essential for research, exam prep, and efficient learning.
- Practical for everyday life: Whether it’s scanning a menu, reading a news article, or reviewing a report at work, these skills can be applied in various real-world situations.
Elsa Says:
Mastering skimming and scanning can be a game changer when you need to read large volumes of text quickly or prepare for exams. Skimming helps you grasp the overall message, while scanning enables you to pinpoint specific information. By practicing these techniques regularly, you can significantly improve your reading efficiency, allowing you to focus on what really matters.
