New and expanded chapters. The new edition includes a full chapter on word-structure analysis, expanded coverage of writing patterns, "A User's Guide to the Brain," and "Handling Textbooks and Textbook Assignments Like a Pro." The book also features new appendixes that pertain to propaganda and fallacies, conducting Internet research and evaluating websites, and learning style tips. The Online Learning Center has been updated and enriched as well.

More readings and visuals. Over 200 new and updated passages, photos, and seven additional full-length selections keep topics fresh, relevant, and current.

Brain-friendly. Known for her expertise in brain-friendly teaching and learning, the author uses a scaffolded approach, metacognition, learning style tips, and humor to make learning more engaging and, therefore, easier and more memorable.

Abundant practice. This exercise-rich text shifts the explanation-to-practice ratio. The twelve "skills" chapters present concise explanations and examples. They conclude with three sets of progressively more challenging exercises that include both multiple-choice and open-ended questions. In addition to the skills chapters, three review chapters allow students the real-life experience of applying apply multiple skills to individual passages. All practice passages come from college textbooks and other college-relevant material.

Flexible Usage. This clearly-written, motivating, supportive text not only lends itself to traditional classroom instruction, but can also be easily and effectively adapted to self-paced, online, distance learning, hybrid, and mixed-level courses, and can be used for supplemental instruction.