Reading Tip: How to Read Smartly with Skimming and Scanning

Reading isn’t always about going word by word from start to finish. Depending on your purpose, you might read differently. Sometimes you want the big picture, and other times you just need one piece of information. That’s why strategies like skimming and scanning are useful. They help you approach a text with a plan, saving time and making reading feel less overwhelming.

What is Skimming?

Skimming means reading quickly to get the general idea of a text. You’re not looking for details. You’re looking for the main points. Think of it as “reading with a wide lens.”

You might skim when:

• Previewing a chapter before studying

• Checking a news article to see if it’s relevant

• Reviewing class notes the night before an exam

How to skim:

• Focus on titles, headings, and subheadings

• Read the first and last sentences of paragraphs

• Notice repeated words or key phrases

What is Scanning?

Scanning is different - it’s about finding a specific piece of information quickly. Instead of reading everything, your eyes move fast until you spot the exact detail you need.

You might scan when:

• Looking for a date in a history text

• Finding a word in a dictionary

• Checking a train timetable for your departure time

How to scan:

• Keep the question or fact you need in mind

• Move your eyes quickly down the page

• Stop only when you find the answer

Practice Challenge

Try this with a magazine, website, or even your textbook:

1. Skim the text for one minute. Write down what you think the main idea is.

2. Scan the text to find one specific detail (like a name, number, or date).

For example, if you’re reading about climate change, skim to get the overall message, then scan to find the year a key event happened.

Summary

Skimming and scanning are powerful skills. They help you handle long texts without feeling overwhelmed and make you more efficient in both schoolwork and exams. Remember: skim for the big picture, scan for the detail.

If you’d like to improve your reading skills even more, why not try a free trial class ? You’ll learn practical techniques in a supportive environment that make reading easier, faster, and more enjoyable.