Sep-
6th-2024
Skimming and scanning are two essential reading techniques that help improve reading
efficiency and comprehension, particularly for exams like the PET and at the B2 level. Here’s a
breakdown of these techniques and how to use them effectively:
1. Skimming
Skimming is a fast-reading technique used to get the general idea or gist of a text without
focusing on details. It's useful when you need to understand the overall theme or when you want
to preview the material before diving into a more detailed reading.
When to Use Skimming:
When reading long texts and you need to get a quick overview.
When you’re looking for the main idea of an article, essay, or passage.
Before starting a detailed read, to understand what the text is about.
When reviewing material quickly before a test or exam.
How to Skim:
Read the title, subtitles, and headings: These give you an idea of what the text is about.
Read the first and last paragraphs: These usually contain the introduction and
conclusion, giving you the main points.
Look at topic sentences: The first sentence of each paragraph often contains the main
idea.
Ignore details: Don’t focus on specific dates, numbers, or examples during skimming.
Glance over illustrations and bullet points: These often summarize important
information.
Example:
If you’re skimming the passage "The Impact of Technology on Modern Life," you would:
Read the title and introduction to understand the topic (technology’s impact).
Glance at the first sentence of each paragraph to capture the main ideas (social media
changes interactions, risks like privacy issues, remote work benefits, etc.).
Skip over specific examples or detailed statistics until you need to scan.
2. Scanning
Scanning is a reading technique used to find specific information in a text quickly, such as
names, dates, or specific facts. Unlike skimming, you’re not trying to understand the entire
passage, just locate a particular piece of information.
When to Use Scanning:
When answering questions that ask for specific details (e.g., a date, name, or number).
When you know what information you're looking for but need to locate it quickly.
When looking for keywords or phrases in a long passage.
How to Scan:
Identify the keywords you are looking for (e.g., dates, names, technical terms).
Use your eyes to move quickly over the text. Don’t read every word.
Look for bold or italicized words, numbers, or names that stand out.
Read around the specific word to get the full piece of information.
Example:
If you're scanning the same passage for information about the benefits of remote work, you
would:
Look for the word remote work or related terms like flexibility, work-life balance, etc.
Once you locate the relevant section, slow down to read the surrounding sentences to
capture the details you need.
Tips for Effective Skimming and Scanning:
Practice regularly: These techniques require practice to improve speed and accuracy.
Know what you’re looking for: Have a purpose before you begin skimming or
scanning.
Use your peripheral vision: Train your eyes to move quickly across the page.
Avoid regression: Don’t go back and re-read unless absolutely necessary.
Combining Skimming and Scanning:
1. Skim first to get the general idea and understand the structure of the text.
2. Scan afterward to find specific information or details to answer questions.
Using these techniques effectively can significantly improve reading speed and comprehension,
especially in exam contexts where time is limited.
