1. Based on the reading material:
* Skimming headlines and subheadings: This is a common approach for quickly understanding the main topics and structure of a longer text like a news article or academic paper.
* Skimming visual elements: Focusing on images, charts, graphs, and other visuals to grasp the overall message quickly. This works particularly well for materials that use visuals extensively.
* Skimming specific sections: Choosing to read only certain parts of a text, like the introduction and conclusion, or specific chapters relevant to your needs.
2. Based on the reading purpose:
* Preview skimming: Quickly reviewing a text *before* in-depth reading to get a general overview and decide if it's relevant.
* Review skimming: Quickly going over a text *after* in-depth reading to refresh memory and reinforce understanding.
* Search skimming: Quickly scanning a text to locate specific information, like a name, date, or fact.
3. Based on the technique:
* Linear skimming: Reading from beginning to end, but at a much faster pace, focusing on key words and phrases.
* Non-linear skimming: Jumping around the text, focusing on specific sections or keywords of interest without reading every word or sentence sequentially.
It's important to remember that these aren't mutually exclusive categories. When skimming, you might use a combination of techniques depending on your purpose and the text's structure. For example, you might preview skim a chapter using linear skimming focusing on headlines and subheadings, then use non-linear skimming to search for specific information within the chapter later.