Skimming refers to the process of reading only main ideas within a passage to get an overall impression of the content of a reading
selection.
How to Skim:
* Read the title.
* Read the introduction or the first paragraph.
* Read the first sentence of every other paragraph.
* Read any headings and sub-headings.
* Notice any pictures, charts, or graphs.
* Notice any italicized or boldface words or phrases.
* Read the summary or last paragraph.
Scanning
is a reading technique to be used when you want to find specific
information quickly. In scanning you have a question in your mind and
you read a passage only to find the answer, ignoring unrelated
information.
How to Scan:
* State the specific information you are looking for.
* Try
to anticipate how the answer will appear and what clues you might use
to help you locate the answer. For example, if you were looking for a
certain date, you would quickly read the paragraph looking only for
numbers.
* Use headings and any other aids that will help you identify which sections might contain the information you are looking for.
* Selectively read and skip through sections of the passage.
(From College Reading and Study Skills and
Academic Reading and Study Skills for International Students)
