Reading Skills
Effective readers use a range of strategies including skimming, scanning, and close reading to understand different types of texts.
What You Need to Know
Key Concept Diagram
Skimming means reading quickly to get the general idea of a text
Scanning means searching for specific information or keywords
Close reading means reading slowly and carefully to understand every detail
Adjusting reading speed to the purpose and difficulty of the text is a key skill
Key Vocabulary
Skim
Read quickly to get a general overview without reading every word
Scan
Look through a text rapidly to find specific information or keywords
Close reading
Read carefully and analytically, paying attention to every word and detail
Text type
The genre or category of a text, e.g. narrative, report, poem, procedure
Knowledge Check
Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.
Question 1
You need to find the phone number on a webpage. Which reading strategy would you use?
Question 2
You are reading a complex poem to analyse its meaning. Which strategy is most appropriate?
Question 3
Skimming a text helps you to:
Key Concepts Summary
- ●Skimming means reading quickly to get the general idea of a text
- ●Scanning means searching for specific information or keywords
- ●Close reading means reading slowly and carefully to understand every detail
- ●Adjusting reading speed to the purpose and difficulty of the text is a key skill