Reading Skills:
Skimming, Scanning, Intensive & Extensive Reading
Skimming, Scanning, Intensive &
Extensive Reading
, Skimming
Definition:
Skimming is a reading technique that involves quickly glancing through a text to
grasp its main ideas and overall structure without reading every word in detail.
This approach is particularly useful when time is limited, and the reader needs to
determine the relevance of the material or gather a general understanding of the
content.
Purpose of Skimming
Efficient Information Retrieval:
Skimming allows readers to identify the essential elements of a text swiftly. This is
especially beneficial in academic and professional contexts where multiple
sources are reviewed to locate pertinent information.
Assessing Relevance:
Before committing to a deeper reading, skimming helps readers evaluate whether
a text is worth the time investment. This is critical in research and study settings,
where students and professionals need to prioritize their reading materials
effectively.
Previewing Skimming,
Content: Scanning, Intensive & Extensive Reading
Skimming serves as a previewing strategy, enabling readers to familiarize
themselves with the structure and organization of a text. This background
knowledge can enhance comprehension when engaging with the text more
thoroughly later.
Strategies for Effective Skimming
Focus on Headings and Subheadings:
Begin by examining the titles, headings, and subheadings throughout the text.
These elements often provide insight into the main themes and arguments
presented. For example, in an academic article, the headings might outline the
primary sections, such as "Introduction," "Methodology," "Results," and
"Discussion."
Read the Introduction and Conclusion:
The introduction typically presents the thesis and objectives of the text, while the
conclusion summarizes the key findings and implications. Together, these
sections can provide a coherent overview of the text's content.