Vary reading rate depending on the type of text and purpose. In which scenario should reading rate be adjusted?

• A. Always read at a comfortable, constant pace
• B. Use rate consistently across all text
• C. Vary reading rate depending on text and purpose
• D. Read as fast as possible to finish quickly

Answer: (C)

Reading pace should be flexible and tied to what you’re reading and why you’re reading it. When a text is dense or introduces many new terms, slowing down helps decoding, vocabulary processing, and making connections between ideas. For a familiar or engaging story, a faster pace can support fluency and keep reading momentum. If you’re scanning for a specific detail or trying to pull out main ideas, speeding up while pausing strategically to capture key information keeps you efficient without losing comprehension. This metacognitive skill—adjusting pace to fit the text and purpose—helps students understand more deeply rather than simply moving quickly through text.