| |
Mode |
Purpose |
Rate |
Recommended
Rate Range |
| Decrease |
1. Analytical
cal reading (legal documents, persuasive essays) |
To analyze
information for inference, language, tone, bias; to evaluate logic and
writer's craft. |
Usually the
slowest rate. Varies with complexity of material. May require more than
one reading. |
150-250 wpm |
| |
2. Study
reading (textbooks) |
To learn,
synthesize, and retain information; gaining complete understanding of
text material. |
Rate varies
with amount to be learned and type of material. |
150-300 wpm |
| Base
Rate |
3. General
reading (newspapers, magazines, novels) |
To read as a
leisure-time activity for pleasure and general information. |
Rate varies
with material, purpose, and familiarity. |
250-500 wpm |
| |
4. Skimming
(initial research) |
To get a
general idea of the material and some details; to get a mental outline
of material's organization. |
Can be twice as
fast as general reading rate. |
500-1000 wpm |
| Increase |
5. Scanning
(phone numbers, airline schedules) |
To locate
specific information and answer questions as quickly as possible. |
Fastest rate
with no specific wpm determined. |
1000+ range |
