Two new reading comprehension skills: Part Four now includes new chapters on “Making Inferences” and “Thinking Critically,” thus giving students guidance and practice in applying two vitally important academic skills.  Mastery tests have been added to Part Seven for these two skills.

More effective coverage of research: Because library and Internet research do not necessarily happen separately, the coverage of research has been consolidated into one chapter on “Using Research Skills,” with a new student profile and practical advice on using search engines and narrowing research topics.

A new textbook chapter: The Eighth Edition includes a chapter from the latest edition of Sociology: The Core by Hughes and Kroehler, along with extensive opportunities for practice in reading and taking notes.

Motivational Skills: The opening chapter of Reading and Study Skills addresses motivation, attitude, and goal-setting as key element of successful classwork.

Profiles of Successful Students: Each part opens with a profile of a student who provides an inspiring example of the skill to be covered (motivation, notetaking, mastering college vocabulary, and so on).