Skimming Reading

A. Definition of Skimming

Skimming involves reading a text very quickly and superficially in order to get a general idea of the content. Skimming is done at a speed three to four times faster than normal reading. People often skim when they have lots of material to read in a limited amount of time. Use skimming when you want to see if an article may be of interest in your research.

B. Why skim?

Ø Improves other reading rates : Learning to skim rapidly can help you improve your speed for study reading and average reading as well.

Ø Keeps you informed : Use skimming to building background knowledge. Skimming will help you keep informed in political affairs or other areas when you don't have the time to read very much.

Ø Speeds supplementary assignments : Skim supplementary material and you may be pleased and surprised to find how much information you will comprehend.

Ø Increases your sources of reference : Skim to build up your knowledge of reference materials. Skim journals or reports in your major field of study when you don't have the time to read them thoroughly. Knowing the article exists, the author, and perhaps its main idea can be important. Citing the main idea of the article in class or in discussion with your professor will make you seem very well informed. In addition, if you want to use the article later, you will know where to find it when you are ready for more detailed perusal.

Ø Brings useful material to your attention : People who have the habit of skimming a large amount of material will invariably come across certain articles or parts of books that are of great importance to them. These important parts can be read more carefully, but if you had never developed the habit of skimming, you might never have become aware of this important information.

C. When to Use Skimming

Ø When one needs to know the overall sense or the main ideas of a text.

Ø When there are large amounts of reading and limited time to review it in detail.

Ø When one is seeking specific information rather than reading for comprehension or pleasure.

Ø When it is necessary to find out if it is a book should be read at all or in more detail.

Ø When one needs to know if a text may be of interest in one’s research.

D.  Steps for skimming

Ø Read for main ideas only (not details).

Ø Read the introduction.

Ø Read topic sentences (usually the first sentence in a paragraph).

Ø Read the conclusion.

Ø Read any headings.

Here's an example of scanning for specific information : Try this skimming exercise.