Skimming is a quick read to grasp the main idea and overall structure of a passage; scanning is a targeted search for specific information such as names, dates, numbers, or a precise fact. Think of skimming as building a “map” before any questions, and scanning as using that map to jump straight to the relevant paragraph when a question calls for a detail.

Aim for 2–3 minutes of focused skimming per passage. Read the title, the first and last sentence of each paragraph, and any subheadings if present. While skimming, jot a one‑line label for each paragraph (e.g., “A: background,” “B: experiment,” “C: results”). This quick map helps you avoid rereading the whole text later and speeds up scanning when the clock is ticking.

A practical split is 15 minutes for Passage 1, 20 minutes for Passage 2, and 25 minutes for Passage 3. This respects the increasing difficulty and density of the texts. Within each block, reserve the first 2–3 minutes to skim, the bulk for scanning and answering, and the final minute to check spelling and completeness. Always leave 2–3 minutes overall at the end for a final scan of your answer sheet.

Often, yes—especially for True/False/Not Given, Yes/No/Not Given, and many detail questions. While not guaranteed for every task type, this pattern allows you to scan forward rather than hunting randomly. If you cannot find an answer where you expect it, avoid backtracking across the entire passage; mark the item, move on, and return later so you protect your overall timing.

Build a habit of “keyword families.” For each question, identify two or three core ideas and list possible rephrasings (e.g., “cause” → “reason,” “lead to,” “trigger”). When scanning, search for meaning, not exact words. During practice, highlight how the question paraphrases the passage. This trains your eye to catch semantic matches quickly and reduces the risk of missing an answer due to vocabulary variation.

Don’t panic or translate every term. Use surrounding context to infer the function of the paragraph (definition, example, comparison, or result). Focus on signpost words—however, therefore, in contrast, for example—that show logic. For detail questions, rely on your skim map and scan for recognizable anchors like dates or names nearby; then read the two or three sentences around the anchor with extra care.

Locate the relevant part by scanning for the statement’s key nouns and verbs (and their synonyms). Read the target sentence plus one before and after. If the passage clearly supports the statement, mark True/Yes; if it clearly contradicts, mark False/No. If the passage does not address the claim or key relationship at all, choose Not Given. Avoid assuming background knowledge; rely strictly on the text.

Skim first and write a micro‑summary for each paragraph in your own words. Then look at the heading options and match meaning, not isolated words. Headings often capture the paragraph’s primary function (cause, solution, challenge, historical shift). If two headings seem close, underline the unique element in each and check which aligns with the paragraph’s central idea rather than a minor detail or example.

Set a hard limit—about 75–90 seconds for a tricky item. If you cannot confirm after a focused scan, make a strategic guess and flag it. Tough questions consume time better spent earning points elsewhere. Because many answers appear in order, continuing to later items can reveal clues that also help you resolve the earlier one when you return in your final review window.

Both orders can work, but a practical hybrid is: skim first to build a global map, then read a cluster of questions and scan with purpose. If you start with questions only, you might chase details without understanding structure, which slows you down. A two‑minute skim equips you with orientation—so when the questions mention an experiment or a date, you already know where that likely appears.

Keep notes minimal and functional: paragraph labels, arrows for cause→effect, and quick marks next to names, years, or terms that appear repeatedly. Avoid full sentences. The aim is to create visual anchors that speed scanning. If you are on computer‑delivered IELTS, use the highlight and note tools sparingly; too much on‑screen annotation can slow navigation and obscure the text you need to reread.

Train with narrow objectives. Pick a 700–900 word article and time yourself to find five targets (two names, two dates, one technical term). Log how long each search takes and where your eyes moved. Then immediately re‑do the same task, cutting the time by 20%. Over weeks, progress from obvious anchors (dates) to semantic anchors (causes, comparisons). Speed comes from repetition with clear goals and feedback.

Academic passages are usually more formal, research‑style, and concept‑dense, while General Training includes more everyday texts (notices, advertisements, instruction leaflets) plus a longer final passage. The core strategies—skim for structure, scan for details, manage time—remain identical. What varies is the type of vocabulary and layout. For GT, practice fast extraction from practical documents; for Academic, practice decoding dense arguments.

Move quickly with intention. Read every word only in the specific sentences around an answer candidate. Broad, word‑by‑word reading across the whole passage is inefficient. The winning pattern is: skim for a map, scan for a location, then read the local area carefully for logic and nuance. This preserves accuracy on the answer itself while keeping your overall pace on schedule.

Return to the exact sentence range and ask: which option is fully supported without adding assumptions? Eliminate choices that overgeneralize or introduce causes or intentions not stated. Pay attention to qualifiers like “most,” “only,” or “primarily.” When two options look similar, underline the unique word in each and verify which mirrors the text’s precise scope. Precision, not plausibility, decides the correct choice.

First, ensure every question has an answer—there is no penalty for guessing. Second, quickly check spelling for names and technical terms directly copied from the text. Third, revisit any flagged items whose answers likely follow the passage order; sometimes later context clarifies earlier uncertainty. Do not reopen large sections to reread; targeted micro‑checks protect your final score better than late deep dives.

Aim for at least six to eight full timed readings before test day. After each, conduct a deep review: mark where skimming failed to predict structure, where scanning missed a synonym chain, and where timing slipped. Re‑attempt the same test a week later to confirm retention. Track recurring error patterns (e.g., scope words, comparisons, cause/effect) and design short drills that attack those weak spots directly.

For test purposes, yes—subvocalizing slows processing and reduces capacity for rapid scanning. Train silent reading with a pointer method: guide your eyes using your finger or cursor to keep forward momentum. Practice timed chunks (30–60 seconds) to summarize a paragraph’s purpose in one line. Over time, this reduces inner speech and raises your words‑per‑minute while preserving comprehension of structure and key details.

Treat Passage 3 like a familiar routine: two‑minute skim, paragraph labels, then question clusters. Break it into small wins: answer three items, breathe, answer three more. If a concept feels abstract, look for examples and contrast markers; these often contain the testable facts. Remind yourself that a steady pace and complete answer sheet usually beats a frantic deep read of one paragraph.

Consistently build and use a paragraph map. When you know “where things live” in a passage, scanning becomes precise and fast, errors drop, and your time plan holds. Every practice session should reinforce this habit: label, locate, verify. Paired with disciplined timing and attention to paraphrase, this one habit turns scattered effort into a dependable, repeatable exam strategy.