the difference between skimming and scanning
Skimming and scanning are two different reading skills. The skill of skimming implies looking over a chapter or unit quickly in order to have a general idea of its contents. Scanning suggests the review of a particular text to find a specific piece of information. For example, we skim through a report to have a rough idea of what it says but we scan a page of the telephone directory to find a particular name or number. Skimming requires a greater degree of reading and word recognition skills as it involves a more thorough understanding of the text. Scanning to find a particular piece of information can be achieved successfully by readers who have less developed skills. The more students are encouraged to approach a text by using skimming or scanning techniques, the sooner they begin to realize that they do not have to read and understand every word of a text.