Page 146 - Keys To Community College Success

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How Developed Are Your Reading and Information Literacy Skills?

For each statement, fill in the number that best describes how often it applies to you.
1 = never 2 = seldom 3 = sometimes 4 = often 5 = always

1. To improve my comprehension, I make choices about when and how I read. 1 2 3 4 5
2. Before reading a textbook, I look for content and organization clues by skimming and scanning
front matter, chapter elements, and back matter. 1 2 3 4 5
3. I develop questions to guide me before I begin to read. 1 2 3 4 5
4. I recite what I’ve learned using techniques such as working with a study partner, taking notes,
and using flash cards. 1 2 3 4 5
5. I turn materials into study tools by taking notes and highlighting key information. 1 2 3 4 5
6. I have an effective process for reading on-screen assignments and articles. 1 2 3 4 5

7. I prioritize my reading assignments to focus on what is most important. 1 2 3 4 5
8. When I get a research or writing assignment, I go first to general references for an overview. 1 2 3 4 5

9. I don’t just rely on the Internet for research; I also consult library materials. 1 2 3 4 5
10. I evaluate every Internet source for signs of bias, validity, credibility, and reliability. 1 2 3 4 5

Each of the topics in these statements is covered in this chapter. Note those statements for which you filled in a 3 or lower. Skim
the chapter to see where those topics appear, and pay special attention to them as you read, learn, and apply new strategies.

REMEMBER: NO MATTER HOW DEVELOPED YOUR READING AND INFORMATION LITERACY SKILLS ARE, YOU CAN IMPROVE THEM WITH
EFFORT AND PRACTICE.

WHAT SETS YOU UP FOR
reading comprehension?

Reading comprehension is the gateway to success in school and beyond. Why?
Because if you can read and understand something, you can learn it and use it. In
exchange for your risk of effort and commitment, you can earn the following rewards:
■ A broad and deep range of knowledge
■ A solid foundation of learning that will help you perform in advanced courses
■ The ability to digest and use information on the job and to stay up-to-date on
changes
College reading assignments are often challenging, requiring more focus and new
strategies on your part. During any given week you may have a variety of assignments,
such as:
■ A text chapter on the history of South African apartheid (world history)
■ An original research study on the relationship between sleep deprivation and
memory problems (psychology)

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