Speed Reading
Brief Description:
Mac version 1.1.1 improves compatibility with Leopard. The current Windows XP version is 1.0.1.
Speed Reading was developed to help you determine your reading skills and explore one way to improve your reading speed and comprehension. The average reader reads at about 200 words per minute (wpm) with a typical comprehension of 60%. The top 1% of readers do much better, reading at more than 1000 wpm with a comprehension of 85%. Such highspeed reading requires serious concentration. This application lets you try reading by looking at two midpoints on each line and continuing to move forward without going back and re-reading. Ten text sources are included. You can adjust the speed of the moving window from approximately 200 wpm to 1500 wpm in three ranges (slow, medium, and fast). A slider is provided to adjust the speed within each range. This utility is freeware.
Displayed above, the user has selected the low end of the slow range. The speed is set for approximately 200 wpm. The gray area hides text. The line width is a compromise between a normal newspaper column and a wide newspaper column. Each row, which can display 56 characters, is masked by two windows. Each window is 28 characters wide. When the user clicks on the "Start" button, the page is displayed, one window at a time at the rate set by the controls.
Above, you see that the scan is in process at approximately 204 words per minute. At slow speeds, the user may be able to scan through the window but speed reading can be improved if you can learn to glance at the middle of each window as it appears and keep moving.
This simple program does not test your comprehension. If you want to pursue speed reading, check the internet for additional resources.
Downloads:
Click here to download the Universal Binary version (2.5 MB) for Macintosh (OS 10.2 or later).
Click here to download the version (860 KB) for Windows XP.
See also Speed Reading II and Speed Reading III
Practice your speed reading using eBook Library which supports speed reading and includes an eBookshelf.
Please send comments and suggestions to youngpr@myactv.net
