Changes are shown in boldface type.
1 Skimming is a technique that \take > takes\ a reader through a reading passage much faster than usual. 2 It is not just rapid, casual reading; it is a careful reading of selected parts of paragraphs. 3 Instead of reading every word in a paragraph, a reader \look > looks\ at the first and last sentences and tries to identify key words in between. 4 Skimming in this way \concentrate > concentrates\ a reader's attention on certain parts in each paragraph. 5 Because most textbooks \explains > explain\ a procedure, a situation, an event, or a technique, their expository paragraphs usually \begins > begin\ with a topic sentence. 6 If the topic sentence is not the first sentence of a paragraph, it may be the last sentence. 7 Key words, synonyms, and transitions between these two sentences \expands > expand\ and support the main idea. 8 Identifying the expected organization of paragraphs also \help > helps\ the reader to find the important ideas. 9 Whether readers want to identify the main points of a relatively simple passage or read a complicated passage with greater understanding, skimming can help. 10 In general, skimming before reading \aid > aids\ comprehension and speed during the reading stage. 11 Skimming can also be useful as a review technique before an exam.
From Improving the Grammar of Written English: The Editing Process, Beverly Benson and Patricia Byrd
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