Scanning:

Scanning is a technique used to locate specific information quickly. When scanning, you’re not reading the text in detail but rather looking for keywords or phrases that will lead you to the information you need.

Example 1: Imagine you’re reading a newspaper and you want to find an article about a recent local event. You don’t need to read each article in detail. Instead, you scan the headlines and subheadings to find the one that mentions the event. Once you spot it, you can read that specific section more closely.

Example 2: Suppose you’re looking for a phone number in a long directory or contact list. Instead of reading each entry, you scan the list for the name or keyword associated with the phone number you need. Once you find the name, you can quickly read across the line to get the phone number.

Skimming: Skimming involves quickly reading through a text to get a general overview or the main ideas. It’s not about finding specific details but understanding the general content and structure of the material.

Example 1: If you’re trying to get a general sense of a report or article, you might skim by reading the introduction, headings, and conclusion. This gives you a broad understanding of the main points and the structure of the content without delving into each section in detail.

Example 2: When preparing for a test, you might skim through your textbook’s chapters. By focusing on chapter summaries, key headings, bolded terms, and any highlighted points, you get a quick overview of the main concepts and topics without re-reading the entire chapter in depth.

Both scanning and skimming are valuable skills for efficiently processing information, especially when dealing with large amounts of text or when time is limited.