It is a method of reading a text rapidly in order to get the basic overall idea. For instance, many people skim read a newspaper article just to get a quick overview. Skimming is generally used to identify the main ideas of the text quickly. Skimming is done at speed three to four times faster than normal reading. Skimming is done when one has to read a lot of material in a limited duration of time. It is used when one wants to see if an article may be of interest in one’s research.
Skimming is done to gain a general impression of whether the text is of any use to you or not. You can see people skimming through books in a bookstore before they decide to buy them. You need not necessarily search for a specific item or keyword, and many parts of the material may be left unread. The purpose of skimming is to get a gist, and check the relevance, grasp its central theme and the main points. It prepares you for the more concentrated effort of detailed reading, which is to follow if the text is useful.
Example-
A learner taking a reading exam decides to approach the text by looking at the title, introductions, and any diagrams and sub-headings, then skim read to get a clear general idea of what the text is about.
In the classroom, skimming is a specific reading skill which is common in reading newspapers, messages, and e-mails. Learners must understand that there is no need to read every word when skimming, so often teachers set this as a timed task to encourage speed.
In general, how to skim?
• Read the title.
• Read the introduction or the first paragraph.
• Read the first sentence of every other paragraph.
• Read any headings and sub-headings.
• Notice any pictures, charts, or graphs.
• Notice any italicized or boldface words or phrases.
• Read the summary or last paragraph.
Steps to Skim through a book-
• Title: Read the title carefully
• Subtitle: Some titles are ambiguous, but subtitles tend to shed more light so carefully read the subtitle.
• Read the preface: In preface, the author explains exactly what the book is all about, so this step need not be skipped.
• Look at the table of contents: Table of contents gives information on the book’s subject structure and components.
• Read the publisher’s blurb: Publisher’s blurb usually located in the back; some are found in the books dust cover. This too is an excellent way to discover the gist of a book.
• Identification of chapters: Identify the important chapters to be read.
• Topics of the chapter: Read the first and the last lines of each paragraph to get a feel for the flow of argument and the topics of the chapter.
Steps to skim a general text-
• Look at the title, subheadings, pictures, diagrams and whatever else stands out on the page. Turn the subheadings into questions in your mind.
• Read the first and last paragraph of the chapter. These paragraphs introduce and wrap up the chapter. And contain keep information that can be important to remember.
• Read the first sentence of each paragraph. Try to restate what you read in your own words. You can either write it down or say it out loud. This reiteration will implant the subject material you are skimming in your head.
• Try to read the text quickly, but pay attention to what you pick up in the process. Focus on the nouns and verbs. These are considered keywords and will help you in getting a general sense of what the author is discussing.