Reading Techniques

Four Reading Styles

Skimming*
Reading quickly for the main idea.

Scanning*
Reading quickly to find a specific piece of information.

*Both skimming and scanning may be inhibited by fixation. Fixation occurs when the reader is stopping too long on any word, letter or passage. Some readers have chronic problems with fixation. Some readers simply do not know that you do not have to fixate.

Extensive Reading
Reading a longer written text with the emphasis on overall meaning (usually for pleasure).

Intensive Reading
Reading a written text for detailed information (requires precise understanding). Typically, we are looking for the main idea or for details. Effective intensive reading may actually involve the skills of summarizing and synthesizing information which requires thinking skills such as analysis and evaluation.

Skimming

Skimming involves reading some parts and missing others. The purpose of skimming is to read the parts that are most likely to give you a “general impression” or the main idea. To understand the main idea, you do not need the less important facts and details. As a general rule, skim the following:

• the title
• the sub-titles or by-lines (like those used in a newspaper)
• the headings
• key words that answer: who, what, where, when, why, how
• the title or legend of any maps, graphs, charts, pictures, or diagrams

Look for the following types of words:

• Most important - concrete nouns and active verbs
• Next in importance - adjectives, some adverbs and prepositions

When you skim, you should be reading 3 or 4 times faster than you do at other times. You should be skipping more than you are reading. Some people like to skim by looking down the centre of the page. Others like to skim in an “s” pattern down the page.

Remember to look for and make a mental note of key words and phrases. Create a general outline in your mind of the information learned.