Introduction: The Importance of Skimming and Scanning in TOEIC Reading
Welcome to our TOEIC Reading series. Today, we’ll be diving into the world of skimming and scanning, two techniques that are absolute game-changers when it comes to tackling the time-sensitive TOEIC Reading section.
Tip 1: Mastering the Art of Skimming
Skimming is all about getting the gist of a passage quickly. Start by reading the title, headings, and subheadings. Then, focus on the first and last sentences of each paragraph. Pay attention to any bold or italicized words, as they often indicate important information.
Tip 2: The Power of Scanning
Scanning is about finding specific details in a passage. Instead of reading every word, let your eyes move quickly across the text, looking for keywords or phrases that match the question. Underline or circle them to refer back to later.
Tip 3: Time Management is Key
In TOEIC Reading, time is of the essence. Set a pace for yourself and stick to it. Don’t get stuck on a difficult question. Move on, and if you have time at the end, you can come back to it.
Tip 4: Practice with Authentic Materials
The more you expose yourself to real TOEIC passages, the better you’ll become at skimming and scanning. Use official practice tests or authentic reading materials to hone your skills.
Tip 5: Utilize Visual Cues
Images, graphs, and charts in a passage often contain valuable information. Before reading the text, take a quick look at these visuals. They can give you a general idea of what the passage is about and help you locate specific details later.
Tip 6: Don’t Get Distracted by Unfamiliar Vocabulary
Encountering unfamiliar words is common in the TOEIC Reading section. Instead of fixating on them, focus on the context. The surrounding words or phrases can often give you a clue about the meaning.
Tip 7: Be Mindful of Signal Words
Signal words like ‘however,’ ‘therefore,’ or ‘in addition’ can provide important information about the relationship between ideas. Pay attention to these words, as they can guide you in understanding the passage’s overall structure.
Tip 8: Take Advantage of Headings
Headings not only give you an overview of the passage but can also serve as a roadmap. When a question refers to a specific section, quickly locate the corresponding heading to narrow down your search.
Tip 9: Skim the Questions First
Before diving into the passage, take a quick glance at the questions. This will give you an idea of what to look for while skimming and scanning, saving you time and helping you stay focused.
Tip 10: Review and Reflect
After completing a practice passage, don’t just check the answers. Take the time to analyze your approach. Did you miss any crucial details? Were you able to effectively use skimming and scanning? Continuous reflection is key to improvement.
