Skimming: Reading for the Main Idea
Skimming is a fast reading technique used to get a general overview of a text without reading every word. It helps you decide whether a text is relevant and understand its overall structure.
When to Skim
- Before reading a long text to get an overview
- When looking for a specific section of a document
- When deciding if an article is worth reading in full
- When reviewing material you have already read
How to Skim Effectively
1. Read the Title and Headings
Titles and headings summarize the content structure. Read them all first.
2. Read the First and Last Paragraph
The first paragraph usually introduces the topic; the last one summarizes or concludes.
3. Read Topic Sentences
The first sentence of each paragraph (the topic sentence) states the paragraph’s main idea.
4. Note Key Words and Visual Elements
Look for bold or italicized words, bullet points, tables, and images — these highlight important information.
5. Skip Details
Ignore examples, supporting details, and explanations — focus only on main ideas.
Skimming is not the same as careful reading. You will miss details — that’s intentional. Use it for overview, then return to read sections you need in detail.
Reading Speed
| Technique | Words per minute | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Careful reading | 150–250 wpm | Full comprehension |
| Skimming | 700–1000 wpm | Overview only |
| Scanning | 1500+ wpm | Find specific info |