Skimming
Skimming is a form of speed-reading used to quickly understand the main idea, tone, and structure of a passage without reading every word carefully.
In SSAT Reading, students often face long passages under strict time pressure. Skimming helps readers locate the central argument and major supporting details efficiently.
When skimming, focus on:
- The first paragraph
- The last paragraph
- The first sentence of body paragraphs
- Repeated ideas or keywords
- Strong opinion words or emotional language
Skimming Example 1 — Science Passage
For centuries, sailors believed that glowing oceans were caused by moonlight reflecting on waves. Modern scientists, however, discovered that tiny marine organisms called dinoflagellates produce this mysterious blue light through a chemical reaction known as bioluminescence.
These organisms emit light when disturbed by movement. As ships cut through the water, the tiny creatures glow brightly, creating shimmering trails behind vessels. Scientists believe the light may help protect the organisms by startling predators or attracting larger animals that eat those predators.
Today, bioluminescence continues to fascinate researchers because similar chemical processes may have medical and technological applications in the future.
How to skim this passage
- Read the first paragraph carefully: it introduces bioluminescence.
- Notice repeated keywords: “light,” “organisms,” and “bioluminescence.”
- Read the last paragraph: scientists still study it today.
- Main idea: the passage explains glowing ocean organisms and their importance.
Typical SSAT Question
Which statement best expresses the main idea of the passage?
A. Sailors often misunderstood ocean phenomena.
B. Scientists are studying glowing marine organisms and their uses.
C. Predators are frightened by blue ocean light.
D. Ships create chemical reactions in seawater.
Skimming Example 2 — Literary Passage
Emma hesitated outside the old bookstore before finally pushing open the heavy wooden door. Dust floated lazily through the afternoon sunlight while the faint smell of paper and coffee filled the narrow room.
At first, she wandered silently between the shelves, unsure of what she was searching for. Yet as she opened one weathered novel after another, she began to feel strangely comforted, as though the books themselves were quietly welcoming her back.
When Emma finally left the store, she carried only one small book, but her nervousness had somehow disappeared.
How to skim this passage
- First paragraph: setting and mood.
- Middle paragraph: Emma’s emotional change begins.
- Last paragraph: Emma leaves calmer and comforted.
- Main focus: Emma’s emotional transformation.
Typical SSAT Question
The mood of the passage is best described as:
A. Tense and hostile
B. Playful and humorous
C. Quiet and comforting
D. Chaotic and frightening
Scanning
Scanning is different from skimming. Instead of understanding the whole passage, scanning means searching quickly for one specific detail, keyword, number, or phrase.
When scanning:
- Look for names, dates, numbers, or unusual words.
- Use keywords from the question.
- Move your eyes quickly through the passage.
- Do not reread the whole passage unless necessary.
Scanning Example 1 — History Passage
In 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright successfully flew the first powered airplane at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Although the flight lasted only twelve seconds, it marked the beginning of modern aviation.
Over the next several decades, airplane technology improved rapidly. By the time World War II began, aircraft had become much faster and more powerful than the Wright brothers could have imagined.
Question
Where did the Wright brothers conduct their first successful flight?
How to scan
- Focus on keywords: “first successful flight.”
- Search quickly for location names.
- Locate “Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.”
Scanning Example 2 — Science Passage
The giant panda survives mainly on bamboo, consuming up to forty pounds each day. Although pandas belong to the order Carnivora, nearly 99 percent of their diet consists of plants.
Because bamboo contains relatively few nutrients, pandas spend much of their time eating and resting in order to conserve energy.
Question
Approximately how much bamboo can a giant panda consume daily?
How to scan
- Look immediately for numbers because the question asks “how much.”
- Locate “forty pounds each day.”
- No need to reread the entire passage.
Final Reading Tip
Strong SSAT readers combine both skills: skim first for the big picture, then scan later for exact details.
Skimming and Scanning Exercises