SKIMMING AND SCANNING

Definition

Skamming

Skimming is a speed reading technique used to obtain an overview or understand the content of a text without having to read it in its entirety. Skimming is done by reading headings, subheadings, first paragraphs, and some other important sentences quickly and efficiently. This is useful for quickly obtaining information and prioritizing more important information in the text.

Scanning

Scanning is a speed reading technique used to search for specific information in a text. Scanning is done by reading briefly and focusing on certain keywords, such as numbers, dates, names, etc. This is useful for obtaining the required information quickly and efficiently without having to read the text in its entirety. Scanning is used in situations where time is limited and information is needed immediately.

 

How To Read Skimming And Scanning

Here are some tips for reading skimming and scanning:

Skimming:

1. Read headings and subheadings to understand the topic of the text.
2. Read the first paragraph and a few other important sentences to get a general idea of the content of the text.
3. Check text layouts such as headings, subheadings, bullet points, and tables for quick information.
4. Use the index and table of contents to find the required information.

Scanning:

1. Identify the keywords searched and focus on the parts of the text that may contain that information.
2. Read briefly and focus on specific keywords.
3. Use text layouts such as headings, subheadings, bullet points, and tables to help find the information you're looking for.
4. Read the paragraph or section of text that contains the information sought.

It is important to note that skimming and scanning techniques are not precise reading methods to understand the text in depth, but rather useful for obtaining information quickly and efficiently.

 

The purpose of reading skimming and scanning is:

Skimming: Obtain an overview of the content of the text and understand the topic quickly and efficiently.

Scanning: Search for specific information in a text quickly and efficiently without having to read it in its entirety.

Both techniques are useful in situations where time is limited and information is needed immediately, such as in the context of study, work, or entertainment. They also help simplify the reading process and minimize the time wasted in reading irrelevant texts.

 

Benefits Of Reading Skimming And Scanning

Here are some of the benefits of reading skimming and scanning:

• Speed up the reading process: Skimming and scanning help speed up the reading process by focusing on important information and reducing time wasted on irrelevant information.
• Time efficiency: both of these techniques allow one to obtain needed information quickly and efficiently, which is very useful in situations where time is limited.
• Improve reading skills: Skimming and scanning help strengthen reading skills and help speed up the ability to read and understand text.
• Improve learning effectiveness: Skimming and scanning help students acquire important information and increase learning effectiveness by focusing on important information in the subject matter.
• Ability to select information: these two techniques help strengthen the ability to select relevant information and prioritize more important information.

 

Examples Of Skimming And Scanning

Skimming:

• A person who wants to read a daily newspaper will probably do some skimming to get a general idea of the latest news before reading it in detail.

• A reader who wants to read a book on the theory of evolution, will probably do a skimming first to get a general idea of the contents of the book such as the chapters, main subjects, and themes discussed.

Scanning:

• A buyer who is looking for information about the price and specifications of a particular product in a company catalog may scan by reading a page that contains the product information briefly and focus on the information needed.

• A user looking for information about a particular hospital address in a phone book might scan by reading a page that briefly lists information about that hospital and focusing on the required address information.