Scanning:

Scanning is a method used to quickly locate specific information without needing to read the entire text. When you scan, you focus on spotting key terms, phrases, or relevant data connected to your search.

Examples:

• Finding a Contact Number in a Directory: When searching for a phone number in a directory or an online list, you scan through the entries, focusing on the name you need, rather than reading the whole list.

• Searching for a Fact in a Research Paper: Suppose you need a specific statistic in a research article. You would scan through headings, subheadings, or key sections such as tables or charts to find the relevant data point swiftly.

Skimming:

Skimming involves reading a text quickly to grasp its main ideas or general overview. It’s not aimed at finding detailed information but at understanding the central theme.

Examples:

• Reading a News Story: When skimming a news article, you may read the headline, the introduction, and key subheadings. This gives you a broad understanding of the story’s core points without diving into every sentence.

• Previewing a Textbook Chapter: If you want to judge the relevance of a chapter to your study, you might skim the introduction, conclusion, and any bolded terms or headings. This helps you get an overall sense of the content before deciding whether to read it fully.