Skim and Scan for Details
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What you will learn
- 1Distinguish between skimming and scanning as reading strategies
- 2Use skimming to get a quick overview of a text
- 3Scan a passage to locate a specific detail or answer quickly
Mini Lesson
Skimming and scanning are two reading strategies that help us read faster and smarter. We use them when we want the main idea or a specific detail from a text without reading every single word. Skilled readers choose the right strategy for their purpose.
Skimming
- Skimming means moving your eyes quickly over a text to get the main idea.
- Read the title, headings, and first sentence of each paragraph.
- Look at any bold words, bullet points, or diagrams.
- Skimming tells you: What is this text about? Is it useful for what I need?
- Use skimming before you decide whether to read a text in full.
Scanning
- Scanning means searching for a specific piece of information.
- Move your eyes quickly down the page, looking for a keyword or number.
- When you spot your keyword, slow down and read that section carefully.
- Scanning tells you: Where exactly is the answer to my question?
- Use scanning when you already know what you are looking for.
When to Use Each Strategy
- Skim: choosing a book at the library, previewing a chapter before reading.
- Scan: finding a date in a history article, locating a name in an index.
- Both: preview (skim) a passage, then scan for specific answers.
Words to know
Skim
To read quickly to get the main idea
e.g. I skim the page to see what it is about.
Scan
To search a text for one specific detail
e.g. I scan the page to find a date.
Detail
A small piece of information in a text
e.g. A name is one detail in a story.
Main idea
The most important idea in the text
e.g. The main idea of this article is dogs need exercise.
Keyword
An important word that helps you find what you need
e.g. I scan for the keyword "rainforest".
When scanning, say your keyword in your head. Let your eyes hunt for just that word or phrase — ignore everything else until you spot it.
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