The modes of critical thinking (effective

reasoning) are:

 Problems that cause s-l-o-w reading:

#1. Poor concentration

Lack of interest
Daydreaming
Worrying about other problems
Cant remember what is read

 Problems contd:
#2. Underdeveloped vocabulary
Difficult to learn new vocabulary
Not sure where to find word meanings

Learning the new vocabulary for each

course is essential to understanding new
ideas & concept.

 Problems contd:
#3. Poor reading techniques:
Stuck in one gear
Takes too long to read assignment
Cannot find main points & important details

 Problems contd:
#4. No system for reading textbooks:
SQ3R

Survey
Question
Read
Recite
Review

 Problems contd:
#5. The blank mind syndrome:
Eyes just passing over words
Reading without reflection
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Organize lecture & textbook notes using notecards

Recite notes aloud
Develop questions from notes
Read questions aloud
Check for accuracy
Separate note-cards you know from ones you dont know

SQ3R
Weaver Reading Efficiency software
Ultimate Speed Reader

Survey
Question
Read
Recite
Review

See handout for SQ3R study reading technique procedures.

Software program
Go to American Studies 206
Talk with ARC computer lab attendant for instructions
Can access this program free of charge:
Mon., Wed., Fri. 10am to 5pm & 7pm to 10pm
Tues., & Thurs., after 3:00pm and evenings 7pm to 10pm

Average rate = 250 wpm

Good reading = speed + comprehension

Some faster readers = 500 to 600 with

comprehension
Looking up phone number = 25,000 wpm

Dictionaries, thesauri, phone

directories, clearly presented
material, (lists of numbered
items, outlines, etc.)
Newspapers, journals, novels,
research

Easy textbooks, newspapers,

stories, magazines. Any
material where only main ideas
are to be learned. Generally
lighter study.
Most textbooks, journals &
technical materials.

Detailed texts: math, science,

poetry, love letter; material to
be studied intensively; read
aloud such as drama,
philosophy, religion; any
material that requires deep
thinking.

Location of specific information

About 1500
words per
minute or more

Reading for general topics & more

ideas

About 1000
words per
minute or more

SCANNING

SKIMMING

EXPLORATORY

READING
FOR
LEARNING

ANALYTICAL
& CRITICAL
READING

General understanding of main ideas &

details or relate new information to what
is already known; creating interest in
reading material; reading where you will
be tested on details.
Reading with maximum understanding
of main ideas & their relationships to
each other; making questions from
main ideas; taking notes; material
where you are responsible for recall

Evaluate &/or reflect on content, to

follow directions as in performing a
chemistry experiment, extract precise
meanings, read aloud, reading intimate
material, reading for emotional
stimulation.

About 400 to
600 words per
minute

About 250
words per
minute

Less than 250

words per
minute

Set a timer for 1 minute while you read a magazine or newspaper

article.

Read to understand the material but dont try to memorize it.

After 1 minute has passed, count the average number of words in

one complete line you have just read & multiply that times the total
number of lines read during that one minute.

The result will give an approximate reading speed or words per

minute reading rate.

Reading textbooks faster than 250 wpm increases the risk

that important ideas and clarifying details will be missed.

Lack of practice and trying to read and memorize

information at the same time leads to problems.

Increases reading speed in a

variety of ways: 30 minutes
Reading Warm-Ups
Eye Movement skills
Newspaper Reading
Paced Reading
Timed Reading
Eye Max Game

Go to the Academic Resources Center in AMST 206.

Make an appointment to meet with the ARC reading lab attendant

for quick instructions.

Dedicate at least two hours weekly

The more you practice, the quicker you will reach your goal.

Students who have a reading disability or suspect that

they have may have a reading disability that impacts
reading/learning, should contact TRIO Student
Support Services in the Lee Building.
Mrs. Teresa McLeod, Disabilities counselor.

Ms. Karen Horton

Coordinator, Academic Resources Center, TEC 334
One-to-one peer tutoring by appointment
Supplemental Instruction (SI)
Learning strengths & styles assessment
Learning Enhancement Seminars
Time Management
Reading comprehension, vocabulary, & speed development
.. And more ...