Speed Reading Skimming & Scanning Techniques Flashcards

What is 'previewing' in relation to skimming?

Answer: Examining titles, headings, and visuals before reading to build a mental map

Previewing surveys a text's structure so subsequent skimming or reading is faster and better organized.

Which statement about comprehension during skimming is accurate?

Answer: Comprehension drops compared to careful reading, which is an accepted trade-off

Skimming deliberately sacrifices some comprehension for speed, typically retaining main ideas only.

When scanning a webpage, which browser feature effectively automates the technique?

Answer: Ctrl+F / Find-on-page

Find-on-page performs a perfect keyword scan by jumping straight to every match.

A reader skims an article and concludes it argues the opposite of what it actually says. What likely went wrong?

Answer: They missed a pivotal transition like 'however' that reversed the argument

Skipping contrast words can cause a skimmer to miss the point where the author reverses direction.

Which order best describes an efficient research workflow using both techniques?

Answer: Skim sources to judge relevance, then scan the relevant ones for specific evidence

Skimming filters which sources matter, and scanning then extracts the needed facts from them.

Why are the first and last paragraphs prioritized when skimming an essay?

Answer: They typically contain the thesis and the conclusion

Essays conventionally state their thesis early and restate conclusions at the end.

Which practice drill best builds scanning speed?

Answer: Timing yourself finding specific names or numbers in directories or articles

Timed target-finding exercises train the eyes to locate patterns quickly under pressure.