The sixth edition offers students insightful, engaging, contemporary selections that to challenge them and to make them want to turn the page. The book’s subtitle, Contemporary Readings for College Students, reflects the nature of the book. In addition to acquiring skills, students will learn something about the world as they read.

In addition to the readings, the book includes a wide variety of practice exercises to reinforce good reading skills and to help students develop a college-level vocabulary. This basic principle—high-interest contemporary readings and useful exercises—has accounted for the book’s success in the past and remains the guiding principle for this edition.