Skimming and scanning are two distinct reading strategies that serve different purposes in comprehending text.
Skimming
Skimming is a technique used to quickly grasp the main ideas of a text without reading every word. It involves moving your eyes rapidly across the page, focusing on headings, subheadings, and the first sentence of paragraphs. This strategy allows you to determine if a text is relevant to your needs without investing too much time in detailed reading.
- Purpose: To get a general overview or the "gist" of a text.
- When to use: When deciding whether a text is worth reading in detail. For example, when deciding whether a page of a textbook is useful.
- How to do it:
- Read the title and subtitles.
- Read the first and last paragraphs.
- Look at the first sentence of each paragraph.
- Notice any images or bold text.
Scanning
Scanning, on the other hand, is a technique used to find specific information within a text. This strategy involves moving your eyes quickly across the page, looking for keywords, numbers, or specific phrases. It's like using a search engine within a document to extract particular data.
- Purpose: To locate specific details within a text.
- When to use: When you are looking for a particular piece of information, like a date, a name, or a specific fact. For instance, finding a particular number in a telephone directory.
- How to do it:
- Identify the keyword or phrase you're looking for.
- Move your eyes quickly across the page, looking for that keyword.
- Ignore any information that doesn't match what you're looking for.
Comparing Skimming and Scanning
| Feature | Skimming | Scanning |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Get the main idea, the "gist" of the text | Find specific information |
| Reading Level | Superficial reading | Focused reading |
| Eye Movement | Rapidly move over text, focus on key areas | Rapidly move over the text looking for keywords |
| Use Case | Previewing a text, deciding to read or not | Finding facts or specific information |
| Example | Deciding if a textbook chapter is helpful | Finding a phone number in a directory |
In conclusion, both skimming and scanning are valuable reading strategies, each serving a unique role in how we interact with textual information. They enable readers to manage their time effectively and focus their reading efforts based on their specific objectives.
