Skimming = quick read for gist. Scanning = fast search for a specific fact. Most candidates do one, both poorly. CELPIP rewards the right technique for each part.
R1 Correspondence — scan heavily
Short email. Questions ask about specific details: dates, actions, reasons. Read once, then scan back for each question's keyword. Don't re-read the whole email.
R2 Diagram — scan the legend, not the passage
The diagram legend and labels carry 80% of the information. The accompanying text mostly tells you how to use the diagram. Read it once, then spend time on the visual.
R3 Information — skim, then scan
Longer informational passage. Skim first to build a mental map ('intro — cause — effect — data — conclusion'). Then, for each question, scan to the right paragraph. Don't re-read everything.
R4 Viewpoints — read fully, don't skim
R4 requires you to understand each reader's stance. Skimming destroys this. Read each of the 4 comments carefully once, tag the stance, then answer. See our dedicated R4 guide.
Quick decision rule
- Do I need a specific word or number? → Scan.
- Do I need the general idea? → Skim first sentence of each paragraph.
- Do I need to understand opinions or reasoning? → Read fully.