Confronted by declining reading test scores, instructors choose this highly popular title to help ensure their students' success across the college curriculum. Academic Literacy combines a mid-level handbook of reading strategies with textbook readings from seven disciplines: business, history, literature, political science, psychology, sociology, and the sciences. The Handbook for Reading and Study Strategies (Chapters 1-9) offers detailed instructions and exercises on such topics as how to identify the central topic, subtopics, and main ideas, in addition to techniques for active listening and note taking. Numerous short-answer questions, tips on how to prepare for tests, and other pedagogical features help to engage students' critical-thinking skills. In addition to extensive questions and exercises, this edition includes frequent writing opportunities and requires students to write at least a paragraph before completing the text.