Scanning and Skimming

To Scan:

When you need to find a certain piece of information fast while reading, scan the text. When you scan, you read a section with a question in mind and disregard irrelevant information in order to locate the solutions.

How to Scan: 

• Specify the details of the information you need.
• Consider how the solution will appear and what cues you might use to find the solution.
• For instance, if you were searching for a specific date, you would scan the paragraph fast, seeking solely for numbers.
• Make use of headings and any other tools that may make it easier for you to determine which sections might include the data you're looking for.
• Read only parts of the passage and skip over others.

To skim:

Skimming is the technique of reading only the main points of a text to acquire a broad overview of the reading selection's content.

How to Skim:

• Read the title.
• Introduction, and first paragraph, as well as the first sentence of each subsequent paragraph.
• Carefully review all headers and subheadings.
• Take note of any images, graphs, or charts.
• Note any words or phrases that are boldfaced or italicized.
• Read the conclusion or the final paragraph.