READING: Skimming & Scanning

Two important reading strategies that can be applied in your classroom and in tests are skimming and scanning. They are different and each one is used for different purposes, and they are not meant to be used all the time. People who know how to skim and scan are flexible readers.

Check the next video:

What is Skimming?

Skimming is to read more in less time.

You skim to look only for the general or main ideas, but your overall understanding is reduced because you don’t read everything. You read only what is important to your purpose. Skimming takes place while reading and allows you to look for details in addition to the main ideas.

How to skim?

You can skim by reading the first few paragraphs in detail, you will get a good idea of what information will be discussed. Once you know where the reading is headed, you can begin to read only the first sentence of each paragraph. Also called topic sentences, they give you the main idea of the paragraph. If you do not get the main idea in the topic sentence or if the paragraph greatly interests you, then you may want to skim more.

What is Scanning?

Scanning is looking only for a specific fact or piece of information without reading everything.

You scan to find specific details and other information in a hurry. For example, you scan when you look for:

•  Your favorite show listed in the cable guide
•  Your friend’s phone number in a telephone book.
• The sports scores in the newspaper.

 For scanning to be successful, you need to understand how your material is structured as well as comprehend what you read so you can locate the specific information you need.

How to scan?

You can scan by stablishing your purpose, locating the appropriate material, and knowing how the information is structured, that is essential. Learning to use your hands while scanning is very helpful in locating specific information. Using your hand or finger is extremely helpful in focusing your attention and keeping your place while scanning a column of material.  Your peripheral vision can also help you scan effectively. When your hand moves down a list of names, you see not only the name your finger is pointing to, but also the names above and below. Let your eyes work for you when searching for information.

To practice... Skimming

Select one of these resources:

• Magazine
• Virtual library 

Choose one article or text and find the main idea of each paragraph.

To practice... Scanning

Visit this virtual museum:
   http://visitavirtual360.com/la-casa-blanca-washington-eeuu/

Choose 5 art works and identify the author and year of the creation. 

Find more resources here: https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/