Skimming vs. Scanning 

"Skimming" vs. "Scanning" in English

What Is Their Main Difference?

Both are reading techniques that involve quickly moving your eyes down a particular text. However, 'skimming' is to get a quick understanding of what a text is generally saying. 'Scanning', contrariwise, refers to searching a text in order to find specific details.

Differences

As mentioned above, 'skimming' involves moving your eyes quickly over a text to get what the text is mainly about. Look at the following examples:

Example

You have 1 minute to skim the text and tell me what it's about.

One of the useful techniques that you must learn in order to be successful when taking the IELTS exam is to skim the reading passages first.

'Scanning' is also a technique to move your eyes quickly over a text. However, there is a difference: you scan a text when you want to find specific details in a short time. Check out the examples below:

Example

Scanning is the second important technique you must learn when reading the IELTS reading passages.

Jane scanned the text but found nothing.

Similarities

Both are reading techniques that involve using your eyes quickly over a particular text. Look at the examples below:

Example

She asked for a moment to skim the article in the newspaper.

As he scanned the text, his eyes widened.

Are They Interchangeable?

As it was explained clearly, these two are different reading techniques with different aims. So, they cannot be used interchangeably. Both examples below are correct but tey have different meanings. Compare:

Example

✓ As you can see, you must scan the passage quickly and find the details you are asked about.

✓ As you can see, you must skim the passage quickly and find the details you are asked about.

Comments

(0)
Loading Recaptcha...
Share on :
Share on :
books
Learn English VocabularyStart learning categorized English vocabulary on Langeek.
Click to start

Recommended

Seat vs. Sit

bookmark
This time, we're gonna delve into a more grammatically-confusing pair of words. Are you ready? Wanna expand your knowledge? Well, join me.

Separation vs. Breakup

bookmark
Well, this time, we're gonna talk about all the differences and similarities between these two words. Are you ready? Still wanna expand your knowledge?

Sign vs. Symbol

bookmark
I'm pretty sure you've come across these two words before, haven't you? Well, today, I've decided to tell you a story about them. Care to join me?

Thru vs. Through

bookmark
This time, we're gonna delve into the differences and similarities between these two words. Wanna learn more? Well, why don't you join me?

Through vs. Thorough

bookmark
This time, we're gonna analyze these two nearly identical words. Still interested in gaining more knowledge? Well, why don't you join me?

Talk vs. Speak

bookmark
In this lesson, we're gonna talk about the differences and similarities between these two words. If you're interested in learning about them, come on.
LanGeek
Download LanGeek app