SPC Foundational Concepts & Principles 2

Question 1

What is subvocalization in the context of reading?

Accepted Answer

Silently pronouncing words in your head while reading

Answer

Subvocalization is the habit of internally pronouncing each word, which limits reading speed to roughly speaking pace.

Question 2

What is a fixation during the reading process?

Accepted Answer

A brief pause when the eyes stop to take in text

Answer

A fixation is the momentary stop the eyes make on a word or word group, during which visual information is actually processed.

Question 3

The rapid eye movements between fixation points are called what?

Accepted Answer

Saccades

Answer

Saccades are the quick jumps the eyes make between fixations as they move across a line of text.

Question 4

What does 'regression' refer to in reading behavior?

Accepted Answer

Going back to reread text that was already covered

Answer

Regression is the habit of backtracking over previously read text, which significantly slows overall reading speed.

Question 5

Approximately what is the average silent reading speed of an adult reader?

Accepted Answer

200-250 words per minute

Answer

Most untrained adults read silently at about 200-250 words per minute, which is the common baseline in speed reading courses.

(SPC) Speed Reading Course Practice Test