There are three different styles of reading academic texts: skimming, scanning, and in-depth reading. Each is used for a specific purpose.
Skimming
Skimming means to read a page or handout - skip read - by reading the headings and first sentences of each paragraph or section. It usually takes three forms: Preview, Overview and Review. See skimming for more.
Scanning
Scanning differs from skimming in that you do not deal with all of the content, but search through the material for a specific purpose or a specific word (or its synonym):
- finding the answer to a question
- seeking an appropriate quotation reference or statement
- locating names in a directory, words in a dictionary, prices in a catalogue, etc.
When you scan, you cover only as much of the content as is necessary to accomplish your purpose. See scanning for more.
In-depth reading
In-depth (or detail) reading is the most involved and essential. The purpose of this style is to understand the concepts and arguments that the text contains. It should be done after skimming the text. See in-depth reading for more.
Reading techniques online tutorial
Page authorised by Director - Centre for Learner Success
Last updated on 8 February, 2019
FAQs
There are four types of reading skills that every reader should know: skimming, scanning, intensive reading, and speed reading.
What are the 4 types of reading styles? ›
There are four types of reading skills that every reader should know: skimming, scanning, intensive reading, and speed reading.
What are the different academic reading styles? ›
There are three different styles of reading academic texts: skimming, scanning, and in-depth reading.
What are the different methods of reading? ›
The 4 Types of Reading Techniques
- Skim Reading. Skim reading, often referred to as skimming, is a rapid reading technique used to gain an overall impression of the text without delving into every detail. ...
- Scan Reading. ...
- Active and Intensive Reading. ...
- Analytical Reading.
There are four main types of reading techniques: skimming, scanning, intensive reading, and extensive reading. Skimming allows readers to quickly understand the basic idea of a text at a superficial level.
What is the SQ3R reading method? ›
SQ3R is a reading comprehension method named for its five steps: survey, question, read, recite, and review. Follow the steps below to learn how to glean as much information as possible from the text requirements from any class. Remember: The information you gain from reading is important.
What are the different types of academic literacy? ›
The skills involved in academic literacy include: critical thinking and problem-solving, information literacy (finding and evaluating sources), writing (clear expression of ideas), oral communication (giving presentations), computing (use of technology), and digital citizenship (online safety).
What is the difference between skimming and scanning? ›
Skimming and scanning are reading techniques that use rapid eye movement and keywords to move quickly through text for slightly different purposes. Skimming is reading rapidly in order to get a general overview of the material. Scanning is reading rapidly in order to find specific facts.
What are the different academic text styles? ›
The four main types of academic writing are descriptive, analytical, persuasive and critical. Each of these types of writing has specific language features and purposes. In many academic texts you will need to use more than one type.
What is the new method to read? ›
How does bionic reading work? According to Renato Casutt's website, bionic reading uses a special algorithm to work its magic. The algorithm identifies and bolds the “most concise parts of words” to help guide your eye over the text more quickly.
The best reading techniques are the SQ3R technique, skimming, scanning, active reading, detailed reading, and structure-proposition-evaluation.
What are the 7 ways of reading? ›
7 Effective Tips for Active Reading
- Identify Unfamiliar Words and Phrases. ...
- Make Notes, Outlines, or Highlights. ...
- Learn the Main Idea and Key Concepts. ...
- Ask Questions–Lots of Them. ...
- Think Beyond the Text. ...
- Visualization. ...
- Write or Present a Book Summary.
Skimming - used to understand the "gist" or main idea. Scanning - used to find a particular piece of information. Extensive reading - used for pleasure and general understanding. Intensive reading - accurate reading for detailed understanding.
What are the 5 basic reading skills? ›
Reading skills are built on five separate components: phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. These components work together to create strong, rich, and reliable reading abilities, but they're often taught separately or in uneven distribution.
What are the 4 levels of reading? ›
The Four Levels of Reading
- Elementary Reading.
- Inspectional Reading.
- Analytical Reading.
- Syntopical Reading.
Phonics. Vocabulary development. Reading fluency, including oral reading skills. Reading comprehension strategies.
What are the 4 blocks of reading? ›
The four elements of the Four Blocks framework are:
- Self-selected reading (SSR)
- Guided reading.
- Writing.
- Working with words.
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