Skimming

Definition: Skimming involves quickly reading through a text to get a general idea of its content. This technique is useful for understanding the main themes, structure, and overall message without delving into specifics
Example 1: When you receive a lengthy email summarizing a project update, you might skim through the email by reading only the subject line, headings, and the first sentence of each paragraph. This allows you to grasp the key points without needing to read every detail.
Example 2: If you’re browsing a book in a library, you might skim the table of contents, the introduction, and the conclusion to determine whether the book’s content is relevant to your research. By doing this, you can decide if it’s worth your time to read the entire book.

Scanning

Definition: Scanning involves searching through a text for specific information or keywords. This technique is particularly useful when you know exactly what you’re looking for and want to find it quickly.
Example 1: When looking up a specific term in a dictionary, you would scan the pages for that word, quickly moving your eyes over the text until you find the entry. You’re not reading the definitions of other words; your focus is solely on locating the definition of the word you need.
Example 2: If you’re reading a magazine article about health tips and want to find a particular tip about nutrition, you might scan the article for keywords like "nutrition" or "diet." By moving your eyes over the text, you can quickly locate the relevant section without reading the entire article.