Chapter Summary

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Chapter 1: Active Reading and Thinking Strategies

Active reading is a necessary skill for success in college. It is essential for comprehending biology, psychology, history, business, and the other academic textbooks. Active reading involves identifying important ideas and then comparing, evaluating, and applying them. In this chapter, active reading is contrasted with passive reading. Strategies for becoming an active reader are discussed and practice exercises for utilizing these strategies are provided.

The active reading strategies discussed include previewing, comprehension checking, activating background knowledge, and strengthening comprehension. Comprehension strengthening activities include paraphrasing, re-reading, monitoring reading rate, writing guide questions, outlining, highlighting, making marginal notations, etc.

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