| Skimming is a speed reading strategy used as | | | | read a few. Many books can be skimmed for |
| either a pre-reading technique to familiarize | | | | enjoyment or information now and then read |
| yourself with expository reading text before you | | | | later at a more leisurely rate |
| read in depth or as an end in itself to quickly | | | | To skim, readers should first make use of the |
| comprehend the essentials of a reading passage. | | | | expository text clues and signposts for key ideas |
| As a pre-reading technique, skimming helps to | | | | by previewing the reading passage. Textbooks |
| connect the text with any prior knowledge of the | | | | usually provide important study helps that can |
| reader. Skimming also helps the reader to access | | | | build comprehension while skimming. The unit and |
| the story schema so as to provide a referential | | | | chapter titles give information as to the overall |
| context for the reading. In other words, skimming | | | | focus of the reading passage. Many times, key |
| helps the reader to learn in advance what the gist | | | | chapter ideas are listed in bulleted form or as key |
| of the reading passage is, while reminding the | | | | questions. In social studies texts, timelines are |
| reader of any background information and | | | | often helpful. First paragraphs frequently provide |
| knowledge of how the writing is organized that will | | | | an introduction of the chapter main ideas. Subtitles |
| assist the reader in understanding the text. Used | | | | and bold print of key terms act as newspaper |
| as a pre-reading technique, skimming helps | | | | headlines to tell the "Who," "What," "Where," |
| prepare the reader for further in-depth reading. | | | | "When," and "Why" of the reading. Graphics, such |
| As an end in itself, skimming is a very practical | | | | as pictures, photographs, charts and drawings are |
| and useful skill. As a speed reading technique, it | | | | particularly important to examine. Indeed, "a |
| saves time and allows the reader to get the | | | | picture can be worth a thousand words." |
| flavor of a reading passage without all of the | | | | Sometimes a concluding paragraph(s) or summary |
| details. Skimming also permits broader reading, if | | | | will emphasize the key concepts. Use these |
| time is a factor. For example, a reader can | | | | expository text clues or signposts for effective |
| certainly skim many articles in the daily | | | | skimming. This speed reading technique is well |
| newspaper in the time that it might take to fully | | | | worth practicing to perfection. |