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Reading Skimming and Scanning Techniques

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44 views3 pages

Reading Skimming and Scanning Techniques

Uploaded by

Ines Mato
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Skimming and Scanning

Reading
http://42explore.com/skim.htm

There are different styles of reading for different situations. The


technique you choose will depend on the purpose for reading.
For example, you might be reading for enjoyment, information, or
to complete a task. If you are exploring or reviewing, you might
skim a document. If you're searching for information, you might
scan for a particular word. To get detailed information, you might
use a technique. You need to adjust your reading speed and
technique depending on your purpose.

Many people consider skimming and scanning search techniques


rather than reading strategies. However when reading large
volumes of information, they may be more practical than reading.
For example, you might be searching for specific information,
looking for clues, or reviewing information.

Web pages, novels, textbooks, manuals, magazines, newspapers,


and mail are just a few of the things that people read every day.
Effective and efficient readers learn to use many styles of
reading for different purposes. Skimming, scanning, and
critical reading are different styles of reading and information
processing.

Skimming is used to quickly identify the main ideas of a text.


When you read the newspaper, you're probably not reading it
word-by-word, instead you're scanning the text. Skimming is
done at a speed three to four times faster than normal reading.
People often skim when they have lots of material to read in a
limited amount of time. Use skimming when you want to see if an
article may be of interest in your research.

There are many strategies that can be used when skimming. Some
people read the first and last paragraphs using headings,
summarizes and other organizers as they move down the page or
screen. You might read the title, subtitles, subheading, and
illustrations. Consider reading the first sentence of each
paragraph. This technique is useful when you're seeking specific
information rather than reading for comprehension. Skimming
works well to find dates, names, and places. It might be used to
review graphs, tables, and charts.

Scanning is a technique you often use when looking up a word in


the telephone book or dictionary. You search for key words or
ideas. In most cases, you know what you're looking for, so you're
concentrating on finding a particular answer. Scanning involves
moving your eyes quickly down the page seeking specific words
and phrases. Scanning is also used when you first find a resource
to determine whether it will answer your questions. Once you've
scanned the document, you might go back and skim it.

When scanning, look for the author's use of organizers such as


numbers, letters, steps, or the words, first, second, or next. Look
for words that are bold faced, italics, or in a different font size,
style, or colour. Sometimes the author will put key ideas in the
margin.

Reading off a computer screen has become a growing concern.


Research shows that people have more difficulty reading off a
computer screen than off paper. Although they can read and
comprehend at the same rate as paper, skimming on the computer
is much slower than on paper.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/worksheet/en05skim-l1-w-skimming-a-school-
prospectus

http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/worksheet/en05skim-l1-w-scanning-a-job-
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REFERENCES

Fast Reading Style


http://www.learnline.ntu.edu.au/studyskills/re/re_re_fa.html
This website provides an overview of fast reading techniques including
scanning, key words spotting, and skimming.
Other Reading Techniques Websites:
Reading and Understanding Texts http://www.coun.uvic.ca/learn/read.html
Reading Techniques http://www.petech.ac.za/sc/reading.htm

Seven Steps to Effective Reading


http://www.edgehill.ac.uk/study/lss/tandl/eff_read.html
This page discusses different types of reading (skimming, scanning, reading in-
depth), deciding what to read, getting ready to read, SQ3R, taking notes from
reading, problems with reading, and continuing to improve your reading.
Other Sites on Effective and Efficient Reading:
Reading Effectively http://www.allenandunwin.com/eStudy/reading.asp
Reading Efficiently http://english.glendale.cc.ca.us/speed1.html

Super Reading
http://www.school-for-champions.com/grades/reading.htm
This page provides an overview of reading techniques including reading for
speed, skimming, and grouping words. You can even take a short online quiz.

Using reading strategies to read more quickly and effectively


http://www.mindtools.com/rdstratg.html
This article discusses effective use of reading strategies including active reading
and reading particular types of texts.
Other Websites to Improve Reading Speed:
Rapid Reading http://www.uwgb.edu/esms/sss/read.htm
Reading Fast http://www.smcvt.edu/src/studyskills/reading_fast.htm
Speed Reading http://www.mindtools.com/speedrd.html

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