Headings and Subheadings: These are your guideposts, breaking down the document into manageable sections. Pay attention to the hierarchy (H1, H2, H3, etc.) to understand the main points and supporting information.
Bold and Italic Text: These often highlight important terms, definitions, or key concepts.
Lists and Bullet Points: These condense information, making it easier to quickly absorb key points.
First and Last Sentences of Paragraphs: These usually contain the topic sentence and a summary of the paragraph's main idea.
Transitions and Connecting Words: Look for words like "however," "therefore," "in addition," and "for example." These indicate shifts in thought or provide further explanations.
Visuals: Charts, graphs, diagrams, and images can quickly convey complex information.
Keywords: If you're looking for specific information, scan for keywords related to your topic.
Numbers and Dates: These often signify important facts, statistics, or timelines.
Question Marks: These usually signal the introduction of a problem or a query.
Conclusion/Summary: The end of a document often summarizes the main points or recommendations.
Remember: Skimming is a quick overview, not a deep dive. You may miss details, so only use it when you need a general understanding.