Scanning
Definition: Scanning is the process of quickly looking through a text to find specific information or details. The reader moves their eyes rapidly over the text, focusing on keywords or phrases that stand out.

Example 1: If you're looking for a particular phone number in a phone directory, you would scan the list of numbers, quickly moving past entries that don’t match what you’re searching for.

Example 2: When searching for a date in a lengthy report, you might scan the document for headings or keywords related to dates, skipping over other parts of the text.

Skimming
Definition: Skimming involves reading a text quickly to get a general idea of its content. The reader focuses on main ideas and key points rather than detailed information.

Example 1: If you’re trying to decide whether an article is relevant to your research, you might skim the introduction, conclusion, and headings to grasp the main points without reading the entire text.

Example 2: When reviewing a chapter in a textbook before an exam, you might skim through the headings, subheadings, and bolded terms to understand the main concepts and identify areas that need closer attention.