What is Skimming and Scanning?

Unit 2 Communication Skills for Creative Media Production


What is Skimming (Skim read) and Scanning (Scan read)?

Skimming and Scanning are methods that could get you through texts rapidly. You use these methods to extract specific information and as well as to get hold of large amounts of evidence. It's a very easy process as you don't need to know every word.



Skimming

Skimming is a quick process to collect important information and saves you from reading the text word for word. Skimming can be done by reading the heading/title of a text or anything that catches the attention of the reader such as bold phrases, Italic Phrases, views of a person, images with brief explanation or charts and tables.

Examples of Skimming:

• Newspapers: It allows you to know the news of the day without the hassle of reading the whole text.
• Business and Travel Brochures: Informs you promptly.
• Magazines: Allows you immediately to know which articles you would prefer to analyse.

Scanning

Scanning is a technique you would use when you want to gather specific information. When scanning you only focus on the answer you want, based on your question. This will allow you to avoid irrelevant information. Look out for headings or any other tools that will help you to pinpoint the information you are looking for.

Examples of Scanning:

• Graphs and Tables.
• Bus, Train, Flight schedules.
• Conference guide.