IELTS Reading Skimming and Scanning Technique
This guide is for students who know the IELTS Reading format but still run out of time or feel lost inside longer passages.
What is the best skimming and scanning technique for IELTS Reading?
The best IELTS Reading approach is to skim first for structure, then scan with a purpose. Skimming should tell you what each paragraph is doing, while scanning should only begin after you know exactly which detail, name, date, or concept you are trying to locate.
How to use skimming and scanning properly
Skimming is for structure. Scanning is for target details. Problems start when students scan too early without knowing what they are looking for.
- Skim the title, opening, and first line of each paragraph
- Label the role of each paragraph in your mind
- Scan only after the question tells you what to find
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