Foundational Concepts & Principles Flashcards

What is skimming as a reading technique?

Answer: Rapidly moving through text to grasp the main ideas

Skimming involves quickly passing over text to extract the gist rather than every detail.

How does scanning differ from skimming?

Answer: Scanning searches for specific information rather than the general idea

Scanning targets a particular fact, name, or number, while skimming aims for overall meaning.

What is previewing a text before reading it in full intended to accomplish?

Answer: Building a mental framework that speeds comprehension of the full read

Previewing headings, summaries, and structure primes the brain so the detailed read is faster and better understood.

Why do speed reading programs recommend setting a clear purpose before reading?

Answer: Purpose guides which technique and speed to apply to the material

Knowing why you are reading determines whether to skim, scan, or read deeply, making the session more efficient.

A student reads a chapter at 600 WPM but scores 20% on a comprehension check. What foundational principle does this violate?

Answer: Speed gains must preserve adequate comprehension to count as progress

Effective speed reading requires maintaining comprehension, typically around 70% or better, alongside increased rate.

What is the 'indenting' or margin technique in speed reading?

Answer: Starting and ending fixations slightly inside the line's edges to use peripheral vision

By not fixating on the very first and last words of a line, readers let peripheral vision cover the edges and save fixations.

Which type of material is generally the poorest candidate for high-speed reading techniques?

Answer: Dense technical or mathematical text requiring precise analysis

Highly technical content demands slow, careful processing, so aggressive speed techniques undermine accuracy.