SKIMMING AND SCANNING FOR KEYWORDS IN THE IELTS TEST

SKIMMING AND SCANNING FOR KEYWORDS IN THE IELTS TEST
The IELTS test is designed to assess your English proficiency across four main areas: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Among these, the Reading section is where skimming and scanning for keywords play a crucial role in helping you navigate the passages efficiently and score higher. In this guide, we’ll explore how to apply these techniques in the IELTS test, specifically for the Reading section, and explain their significance.
What is Skimming?
Skimming is a reading technique that involves quickly glancing through a text to get a general sense of its content and structure without reading every word. The goal is to understand the main ideas and themes of the passage. Skimming is helpful in the IELTS Reading test because it allows you to get an overview of the text and locate where relevant information may be.
SKIMMING AND SCANNING FOR KEYWORDS
How to Skim:
1. Read the title, subheadings, and introductory sentences of each paragraph. In many IELTS reading passages, the first and last sentences of each paragraph contain crucial information or summarise the main idea.
2. Look for keywords and phrases related to the topic. For example, if the title mentions “climate change,” you might expect the passage to include vocabulary like “global warming,” “carbon emissions,” or “sustainable development.”
3. Focus on the first and last paragraphs. These often contain the central argument or summary of the text, giving you an idea of what the passage is about without diving into the details.
SKIMMING AND SCANNING FOR KEYWORDS
What is Scanning?
Scanning is a technique used to find specific information quickly in a text. Unlike skimming, scanning involves looking for specific keywords, numbers, dates, or phrases that are relevant to a question or task. This technique is particularly useful when answering detailed questions that require you to locate precise information.
How to Scan:
1. Know what you’re looking for: Before you begin scanning, read the question carefully to understand what kind of information you need to find. This could be a date, name, figure, or a specific piece of information.
2. Use your eyes strategically: Focus on looking for the keyword or phrase mentioned in the question. As you read, search for this term in the text, either by directly jumping to it or by moving your eyes rapidly over the passage to identify the term.
3. Skip irrelevant parts: Once you’ve identified the keyword, read the surrounding text carefully to understand its context. You can skip over irrelevant information that does not help you answer the question.
SKIMMING AND SCANNING FOR KEYWORDS
Why Skimming and Scanning are Important for IELTS Reading
In the IELTS Reading section, you will encounter three passages with a total of 40 questions. The questions are designed to test your ability to find and understand key information, identify details, and follow the writer’s arguments. With limited time, you cannot afford to read every word of the passage thoroughly. Skimming and scanning enable you to:
– Save time: By using skimming to understand the general content of the passage and scanning to locate specific answers, you can read faster and more effectively.
– Improve accuracy: With practice, you will be able to pinpoint the necessary details in the passage, reducing the chance of missing important information.
– Enhance focus: Skimming and scanning direct your attention to what is most relevant, preventing you from getting distracted by unnecessary details.
SKIMMING AND SCANNING FOR KEYWORDS
Tips for Skimming and Scanning in the IELTS Test
1. Practice, Practice, Practice: Both skimming and scanning require practice. Regular reading of articles, newspapers, and practice IELTS passages will help you become faster and more efficient at these techniques.
2. Identify the type of question: Different types of questions in the IELTS Reading section require different strategies. For example:
– Multiple Choice: Skim to get a general idea of the content, then scan for specific details that match the options.
– True/False/Not Given: Skim to understand the overall argument or theme of the passage, then scan for factual statements to verify the information.
– Matching Headings: Skim the introduction and conclusion to determine the overall flow of the text, then scan for individual paragraphs to find suitable headings.
3. Don’t Overload Yourself: While skimming and scanning help you find the right information, don’t expect to remember everything. Once you’ve located the relevant part of the passage, read it more carefully to ensure you understand the context.
SKIMMING AND SCANNING FOR KEYWORDS
4. Highlight Keywords: As you practice, underline or highlight keywords in the passage. This helps you identify important terms to focus on during the exam.
5. Time Management: The IELTS Reading section is time-sensitive, so set aside enough time to skim and scan through all three passages. Avoid getting stuck on a single question. If you’re unsure, move on and come back later.
Skimming and scanning are essential skills for succeeding in the IELTS Reading test. By using these techniques, you can maximize your efficiency, save time, and increase your chances of answering questions correctly. Skimming allows you to grasp the general meaning of the text, while scanning helps you locate specific information. With consistent practice and strategic use of these methods, you can improve your performance and approach the test with greater confidence.
Remember that these techniques are not just about speed but also about understanding how to find the right information quickly and effectively. With time and effort, you’ll be able to navigate the IELTS Reading section with ease, improving your chances of scoring well.
SKIMMING AND SCANNING FOR KEYWORDS

SKIMMING AND SCANNING FOR KEYWORDS