Hi, I’m Hiroshi Tanaka, and as an IELTS Reading strategist, I can tell you this — many test-takers understand the main idea but lose time finding small details. That’s where Scanning for Details becomes your most powerful tool.
In the IELTS Reading test, scanning means moving your eyes rapidly over the text to locate specific information — names, dates, places, figures, or keywords — without reading every word. Once you master scanning, you’ll cut your reading time dramatically and improve both accuracy and confidence
Scanning is a technique for finding a needle in a haystack: you search directly for particular information, ignoring everything else.
It’s especially useful for question types such as:
Example:
Q: When was the railway completed?
You should scan the text for numbers and time expressions like “1889,” “late 19th century,” or “a decade later.”
Skill | Purpose | Reading Speed | Focus |
Skimming | Get the general idea | Fast | Main ideas |
Scanning | Find specific data | Fast but targeted | Details (dates, names, places) |
Always skim first to understand the overall structure, then scan to pinpoint answers.
1️⃣ Identify the Keyword in the Question
Underline the key noun or phrase that directs your search.
Example: “According to the text, what material was first used for printing?” → keyword: material or printing material.
2️⃣ Predict the Word Form or Type
Decide what kind of information you need — a number, name, place, or specific term.
This prediction guides your eye movement.
3️⃣ Move Your Eyes Vertically, Not Line by Line
When scanning, your eyes jump down the page, not across it. Focus on capital letters, numbers, and unique words — they act as visual landmarks.
4️⃣ Stop When You Find a Match
Once you locate the keyword or a synonym, slow down and read the surrounding sentence carefully to confirm the answer.
5️⃣ Check Word Limits and Grammar
If the instruction says “NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS,” write only two. Make sure your answer fits grammatically into the question
Question:
When did scientists first confirm the existence of black holes?
Text Excerpt:
“Although black holes were theorised in the early 20th century, it was only in 1971 that the first physical evidence emerged.”
Scanning Process:
✅ Answer: 1971
1️⃣ Reading every word – This is not scanning. You should “jump” through the text, not walk through it.
2️⃣ Not linking to question wording – The same idea may be paraphrased; practise recognising synonyms.
Question:
What is the population of the city mentioned in the passage?
Text (Excerpt):
“In 2015, the population of Kyoto reached nearly 1.5 million, marking steady growth since the 1990s.”
Scanning Steps:
✅ Answer: 1.5 million
Technique | Description | Benefit |
Keyword Mapping | Underline or circle unique terms before reading | Speeds up search |
Synonym Awareness | Train with Cambridge practice tests to recognise paraphrases | Improves accuracy |
Visual Clue Recognition | Focus on capitalised words, years, and numbers | Enhances precision |
Time-Box Practice | Allocate 60 seconds per question during drills | Builds test stamina |
Regular practice with these techniques can raise your raw score from 28 to 34, often the difference between Band 6.5 and Band 7.5.
In summary, Scanning for Details helps you locate facts with surgical precision. Combine it with skimming, and you’ll navigate any passage efficiently — from scientific reports to advertisements.
Next, continue with Time Management in the Test to learn how to allocate your 60 minutes strategically.
Or return to IELTS Reading Skills & Exam Strategy for the full skill list.
For more official guidance, visit the IELTS.org Reading Test Format page.
Day | Focus |
Mon | Complete one Section 4 summary task under test conditions. |
Tue | Highlight paraphrased phrases in the transcript. |
Wed | Listen to TED-Ed or BBC academic talks (3–5 min). |
Thu | Dictate short sections to train for spelling + focus. |
Fri | Analyse mistakes and update vocabulary log. |
This rotation strengthens both academic listening comprehension and writing accuracy.
Lecturer: “The results clearly showed that areas with higher rainfall demonstrated greater soil erosion, particularly on slopes without vegetation.”
Question: Soil erosion was greatest in areas with more _______.
✅ Answer: rainfall
Simple, logical, and grammatically correct — exactly how IELTS expects you to respond.
To recap, Summary Completion (Lecture Context) in IELTS Listening tests your ability to:
This marks the final step in your IELTS Listening journey.
From here, review your weak question types, practise full-length tests, and refine timing with authentic Cambridge materials.
For free authentic practice, visit the British Council IELTS Listening Tests or explore model lessons on IELTS.org.
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