Scanning: Finding Specific Information
Scanning is an ultra-fast reading technique used to locate a specific piece of information — a date, a name, a number — without reading the whole text.
When to Scan
- Looking for a phone number in a directory
- Finding a specific date or statistic in an article
- Searching a menu for a specific dish
- Locating a word in a dictionary
- Finding your flight on a departures board
How to Scan Effectively
1. Know What You’re Looking For
Before you start, be clear about your target: a number? A name? A date? A specific term?
2. Move Your Eyes Quickly
Let your eyes move rapidly down the page in a zigzag or straight-line pattern. Do not read sentences — look for your target.
3. Use Typographical Clues
Numbers, capital letters, bold text, and dates stand out visually and are easy to spot.
4. Stop When You Find It
Once you spot the target, stop and read that section carefully if needed.
You can scan a full page in just a few seconds. The key is not to read — just let your eye sweep the page looking for the specific pattern you need.
Skimming vs. Scanning
| Skimming | Scanning |
|---|---|
| Get the main idea | Find a specific detail |
| Read first sentences | Move eyes rapidly over all text |
| ~700–1000 wpm | ~1500+ wpm |
| ”What is this text about?" | "When was the company founded?” |
Practical Tips
- Use text structure: Dates are often at the beginning of paragraphs; names are capitalized.
- Don’t get distracted: Ignore everything that isn’t your target.
- Use Ctrl+F (digital texts): For digital documents, the search function is scanning done automatically.