Difference Between Skimming and Scanning
The difference between skimming and scanning is that skimming involves reading quickly to grasp the main idea or overall meaning of a text, whereas scanning focuses on finding specific facts, names, numbers, or keywords.
Skimming means reading quickly to get the main idea or gist of a text, while scanning means looking for specific details or information.
📗 Skimming Techniques
Read the title, headings, and subheadings to understand the structure of the text.
Look at pictures, charts, or highlighted words for quick content clues.
Read the first and last sentences of each paragraph to capture the main point.
Avoid reading every word—move your eyes quickly across the text to get the general sense.
Pay attention to repeated ideas or key phrases that summarize the topic.
🎯 Key Details to Underline During Scanning
Helps locate events or timelines quickly.
Important for data, facts, or comparisons.
Often indicate historical or chronological points.
Useful for identifying authors, characters, or researchers.
Important for geography, settings, or case studies.
Helps identify main sections or topics in the text.
Technical words or subject-specific vocabulary.
Useful anchors for timelines and context.
Helps connect actions or claims to responsible groups.
Often indicate something important or emphasized by the writer.
Useful for quickly locating grouped information.
Look for cross-references that point to visual data.
Pinpoints precise meanings and mathematical relations.
