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Academic Reading

What is the difference?

Aspect

Active Reading

Passive Reading

Purpose

Reads with a clear goal in mind (e.g., for an assignment)

Reads without a specific purpose

Text preparation

Skims headings, keywords, and topic sentences before diving in

Starts reading without previewing the text

Preformulated questions

Approaches the text with guiding questions

Reads with no questions or direction

Strategy

Alters reading approach based on text type and context

Uses the same reading style for every text

Reading speed

Varies speed based on complexity and importance

Reads everything at the same pace

Understanding check

Regularly checks for comprehension

Reads without stopping to evaluate understanding

Annotation and note-taking

Highlights, annotates, takes notes, creates diagrams

No note-taking or marking, just reads passively

Reflection

Takes time to think about and critique what was read

Doesn’t reflect or evaluate afterward

Alternative formats

Explores different formats like audio or text-to-speech if needed

Assumes reading print/text is the only way

Time management

Sets time limits and SMART goals to stay focused

Reads with no structure or outcome-based plan

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