IELTS Reading: Skimming vs. Scanning Explained

The IELTS Reading test is not just about understanding English — it is about using time wisely. With 40 questions to answer in just 60 minutes, you cannot afford to read every word slowly. Instead, you need to master two essential techniques: skimming and scanning. These strategies will help you find information quickly and accurately, giving you the best chance of achieving a high band score.

What Is Skimming?

Skimming means reading quickly to get the general idea of a text. You are not looking for details, but for the overall meaning.

When to use skimming:

  • To understand the main idea of a passage
  • To identify the writer’s purpose or attitude
  • To prepare yourself before answering detailed questions

How to skim effectively:

  • Read the title, headings, and subheadings carefully.
  • Pay attention to the first and last sentences of each paragraph — they often contain the main idea.
  • Let your eyes move quickly across the text, focusing on keywords rather than every word.

Example: If the passage is about climate change, skimming will help you see whether it focuses on causes, effects, or solutions.

What Is Scanning?

Scanning means moving your eyes quickly over the text to find specific information. You are not reading for meaning, but for details such as numbers, names, or keywords.

When to use scanning:

  • To find dates, statistics, or names
  • To locate specific examples or evidence
  • To answer “detail” questions in the IELTS Reading test

How to scan effectively:

  • Look for unique words (capital letters, numbers, or technical terms).
  • Use your finger or a pen to guide your eyes quickly down the page.
  • Do not stop to read full sentences — keep moving until you spot the information you need.

Example: If the question asks, “In what year was the company founded?”, you can scan the passage for numbers until you find the relevant year.

Skimming vs. Scanning: The Key Difference

  • Skimming = big picture (general meaning)
  • Scanning = small details (specific information)

Think of skimming as looking at a map to understand the whole city, while scanning is like searching for one street name. Both are essential, but they serve different purposes.

How to Practise Both Skills

  1. Timed practice: Give yourself one minute to skim a short article and summarise the main idea in one sentence.
  2. Scanning drills: Take a newspaper or online article and try to find all the numbers, names, or dates in under two minutes.
  3. Combine them: Skim the passage first to understand the topic, then scan to locate the answers. This mirrors the exact process you will use in the IELTS Reading test.

Final Thought

Mastering skimming and scanning is not about reading faster for the sake of speed — it is about reading smarter. By learning when to skim for the main idea and when to scan for details, you will save valuable time, reduce stress, and improve your accuracy in the IELTS Reading test.

With regular practice, these techniques will become second nature, helping you approach the exam with confidence and clarity.