Skimming

Skimming is a reading technique used to obtain a general understanding of a text by reading rapidly to identify its main ideas, structure, and purpose rather than every word. It is typically employed to decide whether a document is worth reading more thoroughly or to grasp the gist of a large amount of material in a short time.

Skimming emphasizes overview over detail. It focuses on the text’s organization, such as headings, subheadings, introductions, conclusions, and highlighted terms, as well as any visual aids like charts or images. It is distinct from scanning, which aims to locate specific information or facts rather than to understand the whole text.

Common skimming strategies include previewing the material by looking at the title and headings, reading the introductory and concluding paragraphs, and then glancing at topic sentences and key terms in each section. Readers may skim by reading the first and last sentences of paragraphs, scanning for ideas or keywords, and noting any boldfaced terms or lists. The goal is to extract the overall argument, scope, and findings with minimal time investment.

Skimming is commonly used in academic and professional settings, when researchers must assess many sources, or when readers need to decide which documents warrant deeper study. While it can save time, skimming sacrifices depth and detail, and it may miss nuances or arguments that require careful reading. It is best used as a preliminary step or when a broad sense of content suffices. Related techniques include scanning and speed reading.