Skimming
READING TECHNIQUES
What is Reading?
Reading is practice of using text to create
meaning.
It is a dynamic process in which reader interacts
with text to construct meaning.
Types of Reading techniques
There are two types of Reading Techniques:
1. Skimming
2. Scanning
Skimming
 Technique of fast reading.
 Act of glancing through text to gather basic
idea
 For example, reading of contents of a book or
article in newspaper.
Function of Skimming
 To get overview of the text
 To gather gist of a text
 No un-necessary details
 No wastage of time
Types of Skimming
There are 3 types of Skimming:
 Preview Skimming
 Overview Skimming
 Review Skimming
Steps to do Skimming
 Look at table of contents
 Look at main headings, tables and charts
 Read first and last sentence
 Read key words
 Highlight important points
Advantages and Disadvantages
 Advantages:
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
Understand each passage easily
Figure out main idea
Organization of text
Time saving
Improve comprehension skills
 Disadvantages
Sometimes, does not provide all details due
to retention of material
II. Limitation of reading speed occasionally
I.
Skimming vs. Scanning
Skimming
Scanning
o Quick read
o Thorough lookout
o Gives whole idea
o Specific information
o Includes reading
o Look over the whole text
introduction, conclusion,
headings and subheadings.
o Max. text in min. time
o Time saving
to get meaning
o Find required information
o Detailed content and
reading
Conclusion
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
Mostly used in research work
Helps to save time while reading a lot of
information
Improves reading speed
Scans particular information
Gives best results