IELTS Reading Speed Skills
Today’s lesson is all about reading fast but smart. You’ll learn how to use skimming and scanning to find answers quickly and understand main ideas without reading every word.
1. What Is Skimming?
Skimming means reading a passage quickly to get the main idea. You focus on the title, headings, first sentences, and repeated keywords.
- Read the first and last sentences of paragraphs
- Look for keywords that are bolded or repeated
- Ignore small details and examples
Your goal: Catch the “big picture” and understand what the passage is mostly about.
💥 2. What Is Scanning?
Scanning is about searching for specific information. You move your eyes quickly through the text until you find a particular word, number, or phrase.
- Use your finger or cursor to guide your eyes
- Spot names, years, or keywords from the question
- Don’t stop to read everything. Just locate what you need
Your goal: Find answers fast and confirm them with surrounding context.
3. Practice: When to Use Each
| Question Type | Use Skimming | Use Scanning |
|---|---|---|
| Matching Headings | ✅ | ❌ |
| True / False / Not Given | ✅ | ✅ |
| Finding Names or Dates | ❌ | ✅ |
| Summary Completion | ✅ | ✅ |
Tip: Combine both! Skim first to know what’s where, then scan when you need answers.
Mini Challenge
“You’re asked to find the year the first telephone was invented. Which reading method should you use?”
🌿 Lesson Complete!
Nice work! You’ve mastered the art of Skimming & Scanning.
Up next:
Lesson 3: Question Types