## **Learning Outcomes**

After completing this article, you will be able to explain the difference between skimming and scanning, identify when and how to apply each strategy during the LSAT Reading Comprehension section, and use these techniques to quickly determine main ideas, locate details, and manage time. You will recognise the typical indicators for when to use each method and apply a systematic approach to efficient reading under timed LSAT conditions.

## **LSAT Syllabus**

For LSAT, you are required to understand and apply reading strategies that maximise efficiency and accuracy in the Reading Comprehension section. When revising this topic, pay close attention to:

- distinguishing between skimming (overview reading) and scanning (targeted searching)
- applying appropriate strategy based on question type or time constraints
- identifying main ideas, structural clues, and relevant content efficiently
- using passage previews and annotations to support LSAT timing and accuracy

## **Test Your Knowledge**

_Attempt these questions before reading this article. If you find some difficult or cannot remember the answers, remember to look more closely at that area during your revision._

1. What is the main difference between skimming and scanning as they apply to LSAT Reading Comprehension?
2. For which question types on the LSAT is scanning likely to be most effective?
3. When using skimming, what textual features are you most focused on identifying?
4. True or false? Skimming should aim to memorise all supporting details in a passage.

## **Introduction**

Strategic reading is essential for success in the LSAT Reading Comprehension section. With time pressure and complex texts, you need to use efficient strategies to extract key information. The two fundamental reading approaches are **skimming** and **scanning**. Using these methods correctly allows you to quickly understand main ideas, structure, and details, and adjust your approach based on the specific question task.

> **Key Term: skimming**  
> Rapid reading that seeks to obtain the main idea, argument structure, and general sense of a passage, without reading every word.
>
> **Key Term: scanning**  
> Focused reading that seeks a specific fact, keyword, or detail within a passage, usually after identifying what is needed from a question stem.

## Core Principles: Skimming and Scanning

Skimming and scanning serve different functions on the LSAT. Knowing when and how to employ each is essential for maximising points within the time limit.

### Skimming for Structure and Main Idea

Skimming is used on your initial read to get a sense of the passage’s argument, major points, and structure. As you skim:

- Read the first sentences of each paragraph carefully—these often contain topic or main point clues.
- Note conclusion or purpose indicators (“in summary,” “thus,” “the author contends”).
- Scan for transition words (“however,” “on the other hand”), which signal important changes or contrasts.
- Do not attempt to memorise every supporting detail, statistic, or example.

> **Revision Tip**  
> In your first read-through, focus on mapping where each main idea and supporting example appears instead of details. You can return for specifics as needed.

### Scanning for Targeted Detail

Scanning is applied after reading the questions or stems. When a question asks for a particular fact, term, or reference in the passage, use scanning to locate it quickly:

- Search for unique words or phrases from the question (names, numbers, technical terms).
- Move your eyes rapidly down the page, looking only for the keyword or section.
- Once located, read a few lines above and below to ensure context.

> **Key Term: keyword scanning**  
> Using unique words from the question to search the passage for rapid identification of relevant detail.

## When to Skim vs. When to Scan

Apply skimming and scanning at the optimal moment:

- Skim: At the beginning of each passage, to get the argument’s overall purpose, structure, and scope before viewing questions.
- Scan: After reading a question that requires a specific detail or direct reference, to quickly retrieve the relevant part of the text.

### **Worked Example 1.1**

An LSAT passage contains six paragraphs. The first question asks, "What is the author's central claim?" What is the most effective approach to use before answering?

> **Answer:** Skim the opening and closing sentences of each paragraph, looking for repeated themes and conclusion indicators. Note the structure and primary message, then answer based on the overview gained—do not search for detail until prompted by later questions.

### **Worked Example 1.2**

You are given a question: "According to the passage, why did the 1940s legal reform fail in its objective?" How should you locate the answer efficiently?

> **Answer:** Scan for "1940s legal reform" in the passage, then read the sentences immediately before and after the match to locate the precise reason for failure given by the author.

## Active Passage Preview and Annotation

Strategic skimming can be improved by annotating:

- Underline or highlight the main idea of each paragraph.
- Mark transition words that indicate argument shifts.
- Note where key topics are discussed, especially names, dates, claims.

Annotation does not mean marking every detail—be selective to avoid wasting time.

### **Exam Warning**

> Do not spend excessive time reading or annotating every line. Over-annotating can lead to falling behind on timing, with no added benefit for most LSAT questions.

## Adjusting to Question Types

Some Reading Comprehension questions require global understanding (“main point,” “primary purpose”). For these, rely on your initial skimming notes. Others are detail-specific (“according to the passage,” “the author states…”); here, scanning to find the keyword or phrase in the text is often fastest.

> **Key Term: lead word**  
> A unique term or phrase in the question stem used as an anchor to scan for that portion of the passage.

## Skimming and Scanning Under Time Pressure

Efficient use of these strategies helps avoid getting stuck on one passage or question. If you fall behind:

- For main idea or inference questions, trust your initial overview from skimming and structure notes.
- For detail questions, scan for the lead word and use process of elimination to rule out unsupported choices.

### **Worked Example 1.3**

You realise only ten minutes remain for the last two passages. How can you maximise points?

> **Answer:** Skim the first and last sentences of each paragraph to get the passage’s scope. Focus on any bolded or italicised terms. Use annotations to quickly refer to section topics. Move to questions and scan for lead words to locate needed details, marking and guessing if time runs low.

## **Key Point Checklist**

_This article has covered the following key knowledge points:_

- The goals and differences of skimming (main idea, structure) and scanning (targeted keyword search)
- How to use skimming to establish passage structure, argument, and primary purpose before answering questions
- How scanning uses question-specific lead words to rapidly locate details in the passage
- Annotation tips for efficient skimming and effective retrieval
- Strategic timing: when to use each approach, and common mistakes to avoid

## **Key Terms and Concepts**

- skimming
- scanning
- keyword scanning
- lead word

Reading comprehension strategies and techniques - Strategic skimming and scanning