Scanning

A reading sub-skill in which the reader searches a text rapidly to locate specific information (a name, date, number, keyword) without reading the whole text. The reader knows what they are looking for before they start.

How It Works

The reader moves their eyes quickly over the text, ignoring irrelevant content, until the target information is found. It is a goal-directed, selective process — the opposite of linear reading.

Real-World Uses

• Looking up a word in a dictionary
• Finding a departure time in a timetable
• Locating a statistic in a report
• Checking a phone number in a contact list

Teaching Techniques

• Set a specific question before reading: "What year was the company founded?" forces scanning rather than detailed reading
• Time pressure: Give students 30 seconds to find the answer — prevents word-by-word reading
• Texts with dense information: Timetables, directories, menus, and charts are ideal scanning practice texts
• Train eye movement: Encourage students to run their finger or eyes down the page rather than across

Contrast with Skimming

	Scanning	Skimming
Purpose	Find specific information	Get the gist/main idea
What you know	What you're looking for	Nothing yet — exploring
Reading pattern	Jump to target	Rapid linear sweep
Speed	Very fast, selective	Fast, but covers more text

IELTS Relevance

Scanning is essential for IELTS Reading — locating keywords from questions in the passage is the first step before detailed comprehension. Students who read every word run out of time.