2.2 Reading Strategies: Skimming and Scanning Techniques
General Reading Techniques
For most purposes, following these general reading techniques will help with reading comprehension.
- Read the title and subtitle.
- If you don’t understand the words in the title look them up.
- Try to guess what the article is going to be about.
- Read the entire article over. Don’t stop. Just read for a general idea.
- Reread the article a second time.
- Annotate (write questions and comments as you read).
- Reread a third time if necessary.
Two Specific Techniques: Skimming and Scanning
While skimming and scanning techniques both employ rapid eye movement, each is performed for a distinct purpose.
Skimming
Skimming is performed to obtain a general overview of an article.
In business contexts, the use of skimming can save time.
Skimming can function as a preview to a more detailed report or article that will be read later or to review a previously read report or article that will be discussed.
Follow the steps listed below to improve your skimming technique.
- Read the title and table of contents. For articles, read the title.
- Look at the main headings in the report or article. Lengthier articles often include sub-headings.
- Read the report abstract (an abstract is a summary of the report’s contents). For articles, read the entire introductory paragraph.
- Read the first and last sentences in each paragraph of the report or article.
- Note any words in boldface or italics.
- When you discover a significant or confusing point, stop to read the entire sentence to ensure comprehension.
Scanning
Scanning is performed to locate specific information. In business contexts, scanning can be used to locate information to answer a question or to retrieve information required for a report.
- Determine what you are looking for. Decide on a few key words or phrases to use to locate information.
- Look for only one keyword at a time.
- Once you locate one of your keywords, read the surrounding material carefully.
Exercises
Activity 1
To learn about the importance of strong business writing and to practice your skimming and scanning skills locate and read the following article “The Science of Strong Business Writing: Lessons from Neurobiology” by Bill Birchard.
Activity 2
To learn an author’s opinion about the impact of remote work on business and to practice your skimming and scanning skills locate and read the following article “We’re losing connection to the workplace” by Jennifer Moss.
References
- Birchard, B. (2021). The science of strong business writing. Harvard Business Review, 99(4), 139-143.
- Moss, J. (2021, October 12). We’re losing connection to the workplace; Opinion. Globe & Mail, A13. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A678832100/AONE?u=ko_acd_cec&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=923ad7ad [Link accessible only to Centennial students]