Skim vs Scan — different goals, different techniques

Definitions

Skim

• Goal: understand OVERALL meaning + structure
• Eyes move across whole passage
• Speed: 500+ words/minute (very fast)
• Use: first read to grasp topic/argument

Scan

• Goal: find SPECIFIC information
• Eyes jump to keywords only
• Speed: 800+ words/minute (super fast)
• Use: locate answer to known question

When to skim (first read)

What to look at

• Title + subtitle
• First sentence each paragraph (topic sentence)
• Last sentence each paragraph (conclusion/transition)
• Bold/italicized text
• Numbers/dates
• Names

What NOT to do

• Read every sentence in detail
• Try to understand all vocabulary
• Take notes (yet)

Time budget

2-3 minutes per passage for skim. Goal: "What is this passage about?"

When to scan (answering questions)

Process

1. Read question, identify keyword (usually noun or unique term)
2. Scan passage for that keyword
3. Once found, read surrounding 2-3 sentences
4. Answer based on local context

Keywords to scan for

• Names (people, places, organizations) — usually capitalized, easy to spot
• Numbers (dates, percentages, quantities) — easy to spot
• Unique nouns (technical terms, specific concepts)
• Acronyms (UN, NASA, DNA)

Scanning tips

• Use finger or pen to guide eyes
• Don't read words you scan over — recognize visual shape
• Once keyword found, slow down to context read

Question types matched to technique

Use skim primarily

• Match heading (paragraph topic sentences)
• Match information (which paragraph has X)
• Author opinion/purpose questions