Critical Reading for College and Beyond [Chapter 1]

Critical Reading for College and Beyond


Chapter 1

Exercise 1a)

Concentration Survey

1. I know that concentration is a skill that can be learned.

2. I have a study area, complete with study supplies, and this area is used only for studying.

3. I try to concentrate as I read, but my mind usually drifts to other things, such as bills I have to pay or people I have to call.

4. If I get angry, I am unable to concentrate on my reading.

5. I know how to minimize all distractions.

6. I cannot read unless my house, or study environment, is immaculate.

7. I have a system to let others know when I'm reading and that I do not want to be disturbed.

8. I lose concentration easily when I'm bored with what I'm reading.

My Answer:

Beside number 5. and 6. are false, the rest I answered with yes.


Exercise 1b)

Active and Passive Learning Strategies

1. Copying down everything your professor says. (P)

2. Revising lecture notes. (A)

3. Reviewing sections of your textbook by summarizing and reciting information. (A)

4. Reading each chapter straight through. (P)

5. Always begin reading by previewing each chapter and developing questions to help you focus. (A)

6. Testing yourself on the information in your notes. (A)



Exercise 1c)

External Distracters:

Come from our environment and can include television, loud radio music, constant phone calls, or unexpected visitors.

Internal Distracters:

Preoccupation with boy or girlfriend, family problems, worry about rent and tuition bills for next semester, or excitement about an upcoming event....


Exercise 1d)

Finding Your Concentration Baseline

I read my Marketing Chapter for 50 min. and lost concentration a total of 9 times. I got bored after a while and felt in daydream.
The checkmark technique remind me how many time I lost my concentration as I read. And after I put my checkmark in my journal I began reading again.


Exercise 1e)

Worry Pad ( Writing a Letter)

This technique writing down my worries in a letter and than throw it away let me feel I throw my worries away. So I can focus on my study