Online Resources to Improve Reading Skills
Reading in college can be overwhelming sometimes. There is much more to read and the concepts are much harder. When is it okay to skim and when should you reread a passage? Is highlighting actually helping you retain information? How can you remember what you’ve just read? These Web sites were designed to help people become more effective readers. You’ll discover how to break bad habits and how to improve your reading comprehension and retention.
Dictionary.com
This online dictionary allows you to quickly check for correct spelling, definition, and pronunciation. There is also a thesaurus and a translator, as well as links to other reading and writing resources.
Guide to Grammar & Writing
This Web site maintained by Capital Community College allows you to check grammar and ask questions about writing. The numerous interactive vocabulary quizzes will help you improve your reading skills.
Study Skills Flyers
Maintained by the University of Alabama’s Center for Academic Success, this Web site offers dozens of helpful suggestions to make the most of your time in college. From reading skills and vocabulary development to time management and memory skills, this site offers concise answers to the questions you may have.
Reading Your Textbooks Effectively and Efficiently
Videos, active reading strategies, reading myths revealed, and numerous suggestions from Dartmouth College’s Academic Skills Center to show you how to get the most out of your time spent reading.
Improving Your Reading Skills
The Management Assistance Program for Nonprofits, an organization dedicated to help nonprofit businesses operate more effectively, provides an online library that includes information on improving reading speed, comprehension, and study skills. This site also features a section that explains why people read the way they do and a link to a comprehension test.
Learning Skills Program
University of Victoria’s Learning Skills Program offers a variety of online handouts about reading and understanding texts. This site also features guidance in other courses you might be taking: advice on speaking in public; solving problems in engineering, math, and sciences; writing essays and reports; and preparing for and writing exams.
Mind Tools
Mind Tools aims to help people learn the skills necessary to succeed in their careers. This page from the Mind Tools Web site teaches strategies for more efficient reading. Hyperlinks within the article will lead you to more information about speed reading, taking notes, and review strategies.
Selective Reading and Speed Reading
The University of Chicago offers different techniques that can help increase reading speed. Suggestions for selective reading will help you not to get overwhelmed and to focus on the most important texts.
How To Study
This site contains information on how you can better manage your time and improve reading, thinking, listening, and note-taking skills. It also covers strategies for taking tests and handling test anxiety.
Study Skills Self-Help
This site from Virginia Tech offers advice to help you improve your overall academic performance. Get answers to some of your most frustrating questions: Where does the time go? How do I take better notes? How can I improve my concentration?