Reading Skills: Increasing Reading Flexibility - Iowa State University

Reading Skills:Increasing Reading FlexibilityAcademic Success CenterIowa State UniversityJust as driving an automobile at one rate of speed only would be ridiculous, one reading rate forall materials is inappropriate, or unsuccessful. This list of questions may be used to enhancereading success by choosing the correct reading methodology.What is my purpose for reading this material? Gain new knowledge? Reinforce something I know or that has been presented? Get another opinion or theory? For pleasure? To improve my reading skills?What type of comprehension do I need? Detailed factual information? Main facts? Isolated fact or bit of information? Understanding of writer’s viewpoint? Evaluation of information presented? Broad overview of review?What percentage of comprehension is needed? 90-100% (Scientific- Math concepts) 80-95% (Other study purposes) 70% (For pleasure, review, main facts) Below 70% (For pleasure, isolated, or specific facts)How will I be expected to demonstrate my knowledge? Application of principles learned (solve problems)? Simple recall of facts? Synthesis of facts? Conclusions based on facts presented? Inferences and conclusions drawn on basis of author’s presentation? Evaluation of correctness of author’s presentation (theory)? Evaluation of effectiveness of author’s presentation (creativity, literary style, or application)?What form will be used in testing comprehension? No formal check of knowledge – information must be known simply as a tool, may bechecked by recitation or participation in class? Problem solving test (chemistry, math)? Objective test (TF, MC, matching)? Essay test (short answer, one or two long questions)? Combination of the above?1060 Hixson-Lied Student Success Center 515-294-6624 success@iastate.edu http://www.dso.iastate.edu/asc

Report (critique or summary)?What type of information do I find easiest to learn? Factual details? Main ideas? Synthesis of information? Conclusions and inferences?What degree of familiarity do I have with the subject? None? Very little? General knowledge? A working knowledge of this information? Expertise?Therefore, on the basis of the above, what do I need to attend to in the reading of this material,and what rate will be appropriate for it?