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Skimming vs. Scanning: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 4, 2024
Skimming involves quickly going through text for a general understanding, while scanning is searching for specific information in a text.
Skimming vs. Scanning

Key Differences

Skimming is a reading technique that involves rapidly moving the eyes over text to grasp the main ideas or gist. Scanning, in contrast, is a technique where one looks through material quickly but with a specific goal or piece of information in mind, like dates or names.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
When skimming, a reader generally reads the first and last paragraphs, headings, and summarizes the content. In scanning, the reader's eyes move quickly over the text until they find the specific information they are looking for.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Skimming is often used to decide if a more in-depth reading is necessary, giving a quick overview or preview. Scanning is employed when one knows exactly what they are looking for, such as a particular fact or figure.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
The skill of skimming allows for efficient time management by providing a basic understanding without reading every word. Conversely, scanning is more about focusing on key words and ignoring irrelevant information to find specific data quickly.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Skimming is useful for getting the essence of a long article or book, while scanning is more appropriate for locating a particular piece of information within a large text.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
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Comparison Chart

Purpose

To get the general idea or gist of a text.
To find specific information in a text.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024

Technique

Reading quickly, focusing on key elements.
Searching for specific words or phrases.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024

Usage

Used for a general understanding of content.
Employed for locating a particular detail.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024

Focus

On main ideas, headings, and summaries.
On particular facts, figures, or names.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024

Reading Pattern

More continuous and broad.
More selective and targeted.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
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Skimming and Scanning Definitions

Skimming

Skimming is reading rapidly to grasp the main points of a text.
I was skimming the newspaper to catch up on the major headlines.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023

Scanning

Scanning is looking through text quickly to find specific information.
I was scanning the document for the client's name.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023

Skimming

Skimming involves looking over text quickly to understand the general idea.
Before buying the book, I was skimming through the chapters to see if it interested me.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023

Scanning

Scanning is a method to quickly identify and locate key information.
I scanned the list of ingredients to see if it contained anything I was allergic to.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023

Skimming

Skimming is a strategy to quickly identify the main ideas in a large volume of text.
While studying, I was skimming my notes to review the main topics for the exam.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
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Scanning

Scanning involves searching for particular words or phrases in a text.
While scanning the textbook, I found the definition I needed for my essay.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023

Skimming

Skimming is used to preview a text to determine its relevance.
I skimmed the academic article to decide if it was relevant to my research.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023

Scanning

Scanning is used to locate a particular fact or figure within a text.
I was scanning the schedule to find the time of my appointment.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023

Skimming

Skimming allows for quick absorption of key themes and concepts.
In the meeting, I was skimming the report to get the gist of the discussion.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023

Scanning

Scanning allows for efficient retrieval of specific data from a large volume of information.
In the library, I was scanning the index of the book to find the relevant page number.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023

Skimming

A portion that has been skimmed from a liquid.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023

Scanning

To look at carefully or thoroughly, especially in search of something; examine
The sailor scanned the horizon for signs of land.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023

Skimming

An embezzlement fraud in which the information on a credit card is copied, usually when the owner uses the card to make a purchase, and is then loaded onto a fake card to be used fraudulently.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023

Scanning

To look over quickly or read hastily
I scanned the newspaper while eating breakfast.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023

Skimming

Present participle of skim
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023

Scanning

(Computers)To search (stored data) automatically for specific data.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023

Skimming

Something skimmed from a surface etc.
Aluminium skimmings
Sorghum syrup skimmings
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023

Scanning

To direct a finely focused beam of light or electrons in a systematic pattern over (a surface) in order to reproduce or sense and subsequently transmit an image.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023

Skimming

A motion or action that skims.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023

Scanning

To direct a radar beam in a systematic pattern across (a sector of sky) in search of a target.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023

Skimming

(uncountable) The sport of skimboarding.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023

Scanning

To encode (text, for example) in digital format by means of an optical scanner.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023

Skimming

(crime) The act of fraudulently copying a magnetic stripe from a magnetic stripe card, such as found on credit cards and bank cards, through the use of a skimmer
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023

Scanning

(Medicine)To direct x-rays or other energy at (a body or body part) in order to produce an image, as with a CT scanner.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023

Skimming

The act of one who skims.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023

Scanning

To pass (luggage, for example) through a detector at a security checkpoint in order to detect weapons or banned materials.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023

Skimming

That which is skimmed from the surface of a liquid; - chiefly used in the plural; as, the skimmings of broth.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023

Scanning

To analyze (verse) into metrical patterns.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023

Skimming

The act of removing floating material from the surface of a liquid
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023

Scanning

To analyze verse into metrical patterns.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023

Skimming

Reading or glancing through quickly
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023

Scanning

To conform to a metrical pattern
Does this line scan?.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023

Skimming

Failure to declare income in order to avoid paying taxes on it
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023

Scanning

The act or an instance of scanning
My scan of the files.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023

Skimming

The act of brushing against while passing
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023

Scanning

The action or process of scanning a body or body part.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023

Scanning

An image produced by scanning.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023

Scanning

Present participle of scan
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023

Scanning

The act of something being scanned.
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Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023

Scanning

The process of translating photographs into a digital form that can be recognized by a computer
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023

Scanning

The act of systematically moving a finely focused beam of light or electrons over a surface in order to produce an image of it for analysis or transmission
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023

Repeatedly Asked Queries

What is the purpose of skimming?

The purpose of skimming is to identify the main ideas, topics, and key points of a text without reading it word for word.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024

What is scanning?

Scanning is searching a text for specific information or details.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024

How do you skim effectively?

Skim effectively by reading headings, subheadings, the first and last paragraphs of sections, and any bold or italicized text.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024

When is skimming most useful?

Skimming is useful when you want to decide if a text is worth reading in-depth or to find specific information quickly.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024

What is skimming?

Skimming is reading through text quickly to understand the main ideas.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024

Is scanning suitable for understanding the entire text?

No, scanning is not meant for understanding the complete content; it's for pinpointing specific information quickly.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024

Is skimming the same as reading word by word?

No, skimming involves reading selectively and quickly, while reading word by word is a slower and more detailed process.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024

How do you scan effectively?

Scan effectively by using your finger or a pointer to guide your eyes, focus on headings, keywords, and numbers, and skip irrelevant information.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024

Are skimming and scanning only used in reading, or can they be applied to other activities?

Skimming and scanning skills are valuable for tasks beyond reading, such as reviewing documents, searching for information online, and studying.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024

When is scanning most useful?

Scanning is useful when you need to locate particular details, names, dates, or facts within a text.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024

Should I practice skimming and scanning regularly?

Yes, practicing these techniques can improve your reading efficiency and comprehension.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024

What's the difference between skimming and scanning?

Skimming is about getting the main idea, while scanning is about finding specific details.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024

Can skimming and scanning be used in academic reading?

Yes, these techniques are especially useful for academic reading to quickly review research papers and textbooks.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024

Do skimming and scanning work for digital texts as well?

Yes, skimming and scanning techniques are effective for both printed and digital texts.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024

Are there any drawbacks to skimming and scanning?

Skimming and scanning may lead to missing nuanced details, so they should be used judiciously based on your reading goals.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024

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About Author
Shumaila Saeed
Written by
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

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