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2.1.1 Skim and Scan Texts 2.1.2 Read and Answer Questions Based On Current Issues or Topics of Interest

Skimming and scanning are rapid reading techniques that use keywords and visual cues to quickly obtain information from a text. Skimming provides a general overview by focusing on headings and key phrases, while scanning searches specifically for facts using keywords. Both techniques can save time when conducting research, reviewing material, or answering fact-based questions.

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106 views

2.1.1 Skim and Scan Texts 2.1.2 Read and Answer Questions Based On Current Issues or Topics of Interest

Skimming and scanning are rapid reading techniques that use keywords and visual cues to quickly obtain information from a text. Skimming provides a general overview by focusing on headings and key phrases, while scanning searches specifically for facts using keywords. Both techniques can save time when conducting research, reviewing material, or answering fact-based questions.

Uploaded by

farahaidasabri
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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2.1.

1 Skim and scan texts


2.1.2 Read and answer questions based on current issues or topics of interest

Skimming and scanning are two different reading techniques that use rapid eye movement and
keywords to move quickly through a given text.

Skimming is reading rapidly in order to get a general overview of the material. Skimming tells
you what general information there is within a section.

Scanning is reading rapidly in order to find specific facts. Scanning helps you locate a particular
fact.

You may use skimming in:

 previewing (reading before you read)


 reviewing (reading after you read)
 determining the main idea from a long selection you don't wish to read
 trying to find source material for a research paper.

You may use scanning to:

 find particular facts


 study fact-heavy topics
 answer questions requiring factual support

Skimming to Save Time


Skimming can save you hours of laborious reading. However, it is not always the most
appropriate way to read. When you skim, you may miss important points or overlook the finer
shadings of meaning, for which rapid reading or perhaps even study reading may be necessary.

Use skimming to overview your textbook chapters or to review for a test. Use skimming to
decide if you need to read something at all, for example during the preliminary research for a
paper. Skimming can tell you enough about the general idea and tone of the material, as well as
its gross similarity or difference from other sources, to know if you need to read it at all.

To skim, prepare yourself to move rapidly through the pages. You will not read every word; you
will pay special attention to typographical cues-headings, boldface and italic type, indenting,
bulleted and numbered lists. You will be alert for key words and phrases, the names of people
and places, dates, nouns, and unfamiliar words.

Scanning for Research and Study


Scanning, too, uses keywords and organisational cues. But while the goal of skimming is a
bird's-eye view of the material, the goal of scanning is to locate and swoop down on particular
facts.

Facts may be buried within long text passages that have relatively little else to do with your
topic or claim. Skim this material first to decide if it is likely to contain the facts you need. Do
not forget to scan tables of contents, summaries, indexes, headings, and typographical cues. To
make sense of lists and tables, skim them first to understand how they are organised:
alphabetical, chronological, or most-to-least. If after skimming you decide the material will be
useful, go ahead and scan:

1. Know what you are looking for. Decide on a few key words or phrases–search terms,
if you will. You will be a flesh-and-blood search engine.
2. Look for only one keyword at a time. If you use multiple keywords, do multiple scans.
3. Let your eyes float rapidly down the page until you find the word or phrase you want.
4. When your eye catches one of your keywords, read the surrounding material
carefully.

Scanning to Answer Questions


If you are scanning for facts to answer a specific question, the first step is already done for you;
the question itself supplies the keywords. You may follow these steps:

1. Read each question completely before starting to scan. Choose your keywords from
the question itself.
2. Look for answers to only one question at a time. Scan separately for each question.
3. When you locate a keyword, read the surrounding text carefully to see if it is
relevant.
4. Re-read the question to determine if the answer you found answers this question.
Scanning is a technique that requires concentration and can be surprisingly tiring. You may have
to practice at not allowing your attention to wander. Here is a quick overview of skimming and
scanning:

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