Skiiming and Scanning

Scanning / Skimming / SQ3R |

Scanning is a method of reading which allows you to get a broad view of the whole piece of reading material before you read it properly. This method allows you to assess its value to you and get some idea of when you need to read it and how much effort it will require. Scanning is not strictly reading but is an essential part of it.

The process of scanning involves blotting out everything but the few key words related to your purpose and you are constantly narrowing-down information to what you need.

Scanning has two main advantages:

1. Assessment – it allows you to rapidly read through a text, looking for key words, which allows you to assess its value to you.

2. Introduction to the structure – it provides you with an outline of how the author has structured the material.

On assessment of the material’s value to your purpose you will now be in a position to assess it against the following three categories:

1. Essential – material to be read with maximum attention.

2. Useful – material to be read when you have the time, after you have read the essential information.

3. Irrelevant – material irrelevant to your purpose.

Scanning also allows you to get an overview of the material and examine how the author has structured or organised their ideas. It allows you to pick up clues on the material and you are now ready to begin reading but not yet in the conventional sense.

Another rate of reading is now required known as skimming.

Skimming is a reading technique where you are reading right at the top end of your range, as fast as you possibly can, gaining a broad outline and ignoring the detail.

Skimming is a technique intended to help you pick up the main ideas and the structure of the material and the process is helped if you are aware of the way in which English writing is structured. You need to be aware of where to find the main ideas within the information. Generally paragraphs tend to have one main idea...