SPC Speed Reading Skimming & Scanning Techniques 2

Question 1

When skimming a newspaper article, which part typically contains the most essential information?

Accepted Answer

The first paragraph (lead)

Answer

The middle paragraphs

Answer

The final paragraph

Answer

The photo captions

Question 2

You need to find a specific date in a 20-page report. Which technique is most efficient?

Accepted Answer

Scanning for numerals and date formats

Answer

Skimming each paragraph's first sentence

Answer

Reading the report word by word

Answer

Reading only the conclusion

Question 3

What is the main difference between skimming and scanning?

Accepted Answer

Skimming seeks general ideas; scanning seeks specific facts

Answer

Skimming is slower than normal reading; scanning is faster

Answer

Skimming uses a finger guide; scanning does not

Answer

Skimming works only on fiction; scanning works only on nonfiction

Question 4

Which visual cue is LEAST helpful when scanning a page for a keyword?

Accepted Answer

The author's writing style

Answer

Bold or italicized text

Answer

Capitalized proper nouns

Answer

Headings and subheadings

Question 5

A student skims a textbook chapter before class. What should they focus on first?

Accepted Answer

Headings, subheadings, and summary boxes

Answer

Every example problem in detail

Answer

The full reference list

Answer

Each sentence in order

Question 6

Roughly what proportion of a text does an effective skimmer actually read closely?

Accepted Answer

A small fraction, such as first and last sentences of paragraphs

Answer

Every word at double speed

Answer

Exactly half of every paragraph

Answer

Only the words longer than six letters

Question 7

When scanning a phone directory or index, readers benefit most from the text being organized how?

Accepted Answer

Alphabetically

Answer

By paragraph length

Answer

Chronologically by entry date

Answer

By sentence complexity