Scanning and skimming are two effective reading techniques that allow you to quickly process information. While they may seem similar, they serve distinct purposes.

Scanning

Scanning is a technique used to locate specific information within a text. It involves quickly going through the material, looking for keywords or phrases that match your search criteria.

• Example 1: You're looking for the phone number of a restaurant in your local directory. You quickly scan the pages, focusing on the restaurant's name and the corresponding phone number.
• Example 2: You're trying to find a specific quote from a book. You scan the pages, looking for the author's name or the general topic of the quote.

Skimming

Skimming, on the other hand, is used to get a general overview of a text. It involves reading the material quickly, focusing on the main ideas and key points.

• Example 1: You're trying to decide if an article is relevant to your research topic. You skim through the article, reading the title, headings, and the first and last paragraphs to get a sense of its content.
• Example 2: You're trying to decide which book to read next. You skim through the book's blurb, looking for interesting plot points or characters.

In summary, scanning is for finding specific details, while skimming is for getting a general understanding. Both techniques are valuable tools for efficient reading.