Passive vs. Active Reading

 Characteristics of reading passively include:

• rushing through reading just to get it done
• forgetting the material immediately after reading
• falling asleep while reading
• texting, emailing or watching TV while reading
• overzealous highlighting of a text

 Characteristics of reading actively include:

• asking questions to uncover the purpose and meaning of the text
• frequently noting the main points in your own words
• reflecting on the relationship between the readings and your topic
• making connections between the readings and themes discussed in class