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Skimming and Scanning

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Centro Venezolano Americano del Zulia

TOEFL iBT preparatory course


Reading Skills Assessment

Skimming and Scanning


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 such as SQ4R. 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 color. Sometimes the author will
put key ideas in the margin.
Centro Venezolano Americano del Zulia
TOEFL iBT preparatory course
Reading Skills Assessment
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.

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