IELTS Reading exam - how to skim and scan

To be successful in the IELTS Reading test, you will need to know how to skim and scan.

Skimming is reading the text very quickly for the main idea of the text. Below you will find suggestions for ways to skim.

When you skim, you are looking for the meaning of the text, not for a complete understanding of the text. This means that you need to look at the topic sentences of each paragraph, and the subject, verb and object of the sentences.

Scanning is when you look for specific details in the text, without skimming or reading for the meaning. You use this technique when you are looking for the answer to a question. You will look for the keyword in the question (or a synonym) so you can locate the answer.

Begin your skim reading by reading the title of the reading and the questions that you must answer. They will give you an idea about the topic.

Skim the reading looking at the nouns and verbs. The nouns are in both the sentence subject and object if there is one. Do not worry too much about the adjectives and adverbs.

Mark the conjunctions such as because, however, furthermore, in addition. When you are practicing, you should practice looking for conjunctions because they tell you important things about what the text is telling you.

Read the first sentence of the paragraph quickly, then read the beginning (or subject) of each sentence in the paragraph. This will give you a good idea what the text is about.

Focus on the words that you do know. If you underline the words you don't know, it will slow you down.

Skim each line from left to right quickly.

Run a pencil down the center of the page to force your eye to look at one side then the other

Skim the first sentence of the paragraph.

Then skim the beginnings and ends of the sentences in between.

Do not get stuck reading the details

Keep your eyes moving quickly

FINALLY - PRACTICE A LOT!

Look for words that are about the general subject. They might be nouns, names, dates, or places etc.

Remember subject, verb and object. You may need an adjective, negative words, or words that indicate comparisons.

Look at the questions together to get the idea of what the focus of the questions are about. Connect the questions to each other and use them to help you find your way around the text.

In slow scanning, look for your chosen words.

In quick scanning read from right to left so you look only for words, and stop you reading.

Always use a pencil to underline, that way, if you make a mistake you can rub it out so it does not catch your eye again.

Underline key word from the questions or organizing words such as conjunctions.

Don't underline too much. Pick the important information.

Skimming and scanning are important skills when you are sitting reading tests. You cannot learn to skim and scan without practice. 

Practice skimming and scanning every day. Set a short time limit - about 5 minutes - and practice every hour. As you get faster, find longer texts to skim and scan.

Remember, skimming and scanning needs lots of practice.