 Myth #1: Reading isn’t really necessary in today’s world of rapidly developing technology. Movies and television, cameras and computers, cell phones, and other kinds of electronic communication have made reading obsolete.

 Myth #2: Speed reading is better than slow reading; faster is somehow better.

 Myth #3A: Printed materials should never be questioned or challenged. If it’s in print— especially in a book or journal—it must be right.

 Myth #3B: The converse: you should always judge what you read. Don't worry about understanding. Decide whether the reading is good or bad, helpful or meaningless, interesting or boring.

 Myth #4: Reading is a passive experience and isolated from others.

Active reading is engaged and attentive reading. When you read actively you:  Ask questions  Underline key terms and ideas  Jot notes and questions in the margins  Try to understand the writer’s thesis or main idea  Think about what you read.

 What is the Topic of the essay?  What is the Main Idea of the essay?  Support  General support  Specific Support (details)  Example  Quote  Data  What type of Support is used in the essay?  Conclusion restates the Topic Sentence in different words.  Conclusion takes the reader one step further.