English reading skill: scanning, how to learn, practice scan, guide, tips scanning

Scanning is a method often used to look up a word in the telephone book, dictionary or search for key words or ideas. In most cases, you know what you are looking for, so you are concentrating on finding a particular answer. Scanning involves moving your eyes quickly down the page seeking specific words and phrases. Scanning is also used when you want to find a resource to determine whether it will answer your questions or not. Once you have scanned the document, you might go back and scan it if your questions are not answered.

Scanning is a skill that requires that you read quickly to find out specific information. To scan a document, you should start at the top of the page and then move your eyes quickly toward the bottom. Generally, scanning is a technique that is helpful when you are looking for the answer to a known question. This is especially helpful when taking a test.

Tips on scanning

1. Skim the material first. Comprehension comes from familiarity.

2. Scan the entire reading, then focus on the most interesting or relevant parts to read in detail. Pay attention to when you can skim and when you need to understand every word. Write as you read. Take notes and talk back to the text. Explain in detail and mark up the pages. Write down what interests or bores you. Guess about why.

3. If you get stuck in the reading, think and write about where you got stuck. Think why that particular place was difficult and how you might break through the block. Write down and explore your confusion. Confusion is important because it's the first stage in understanding. When the going gets difficult, and you don't understand the reading, slow down and read sections again.

4. Translate difficult material into your own words. Create an alternative text.

5. Finally, during scanning, look for the author's use of organizers such as numbers, letters, steps, or the words, first, second, or next. Look for words that are bold faced, italics, or in a different font size, style, or color. Sometimes the author will put key ideas in the margin.