Practical Reading Techniques: Skimming And Scanning

Skimming

Skimming is a speed reading technique used whenever we need to get the entire text’s main idea. When you skim a text, you are not after the details or examples given, but rather, you are looking at what the whole text is all about.

We typically skim long texts for us to get a better idea of the entire chapter or article. Skimming is especially helpful whenever we need to read long texts in a short period of time. When learning English online, we usually skim different texts as part of our classes.

How To Skim Texts

To skim a text, start by reading the first paragraph entirely. Often, the main idea of articles is given in the introduction. Next, move on to the first two sentences of the paragraphs, as topic sentences are usually placed at the beginning of a paragraph. As you read the paragraphs in the text’s body, you can also begin to pick up important details such as names, dates, and terminologies which are repeated in the succeeding sections. Read the last paragraph in its entirety, as closing paragraphs often summaries the entire text’s essential ideas.

Scanning

Scanning is another speed reading technique that is useful for people who are learning English online. When we can, we read a text quickly to search for specific information or answer a particular question. When scanning, we disregard the other details in the text and its main idea, which is not part of our goal. 

An excellent example of scanning texts is whenever we need to look up the meaning of a word in the dictionary. When we do, we don’t have to go through the other words in the text to locate the definition of a specific word. However, we can also scan different types of texts, not just dictionaries and reference materials.

How To Scan

When scanning a text, our eyes need to move quickly across the paragraphs. You can use your index finger to guide you in looking for specific information on the page. In most cases (especially when studying), scanning the text first is necessary before getting the text’s essential details. You can also highlight this information so that you can quickly go back to it later on. This technique is handy when learning English online and taking English tests.

Pre-Reading Topical Activity:

Ask the students the following questions:

Ø The title of the text you are about to read is ‘Can We Do anything?’
Ø What do you think the text is about?
Ø Do you think we should do something for improving things?
Ø What is our responsibility as citizens towards bringing a good change?

Reading Text | Can We Do Anything?

Short Excerpt

‘Eeeeeng! Ali jumped out of his bed at the sound of the alarm clock and
excitedly got ready for school. He was eager to meet all his classmates and
teachers after the long summer vacations. He was excited about going to his
science classes. He enjoyed doing experiments during the science lessons.
He was also enthusiastic to participate in the different social campaigns that
his social studies teacher got them involved in.

While he was rushing down the stairs from his flat on the fourth floor, the blue
school van honked continuously. He hurriedly got into the van. He greeted the
driver uncle and all his van friends. He sat next to his best friend, Saleem, and
both of them exchanged greetings with a warm smile.

While-Reading Topical Activity:

Read the text and match the following titles with the three sections of the
story. One title is extra.
i. Air Pollution
ii. Pollution Free Environment
iii. Social Hazard
iv. A Task Completed

Post-Reading Topical Activity

enthusiastic (1)
social campaigns (1)
involved (1)
honked (1)
fumes (1)
emitted (1)
purposeless (2)
assign (2)
deadlines (2)
tasks (2)
reviewed (2)
attendees (3)
Use at least five words from the ‘Words’ column above in your own sentences.
Write these sentences in your notebook.