Questions and Answers

Answer: Almost all the classes you take in college will require reading and often the assignments are difficult and long. Taking a Reading class early in your college career can help you improve your ability not only in reading comprehension but also in vocabulary, reading speed, study skills, and in writing and  speaking about what you read. All of these skills help you to be successful in college.
 
Question:  How much work is required for a Reading class?

Answer:  For each class, students will do reading assignments and often short writing responses. Students need to attend classes regularly and come to each one prepared to discuss the reading homework. The length of time that homework assignments require depends on a person's reading ability.
 
Question:  Why have I been advised to take a Reading class when I already passed all my required high school English classes?

Answer:  Approximately 70% of all students who take the Reading Placement Test at De Anza (and also at all community colleges throughout the nation) are advised to take a Reading class. Many of these students have completed high school English requirements, but not all high school classes demand that students be proficient in college-level reading. Also, many students enroll at De Anza after being out of school for a while, and they need to review and improve their reading skills before enrolling in classes that require college-level reading.
 
Question:  What can I do if I can not get into a Reading class, but I want to begin studying to improve my reading skills?

Answer:  While you wait to get into a Reading class the following quarter, you can enroll in a self-paced Reading class in the Academic Skills program. Be sure to enroll in a class as soon as possible because they fill quickly. Click on the Skills link to view the classes offered.
 
Question:  I know I am going to need extra help in a Reading class.  How can I get it?

Answer:  All full-time and many part-time instructors hold regular office hours for the purpose of helping students outside of class. Take advantage of this opportunity. If you would like to meet with a tutor either on a drop-in or a regular basis, make arrangements by contacting the Tutorial Center as soon as possible in the quarter. Click on the Tutorial and Academic Skills Center link for more information.
 
Question:  What is the difference in taking a Reading class in the ESL program rather than in the Reading Department program?

Answer:  Students who are advised through the Placement Test system to take an ESL class should be in that program. Reading Department classes are not designed for students whose native language is not English.
 
Question:  How many Reading classes do I have to take to be ready to take English 1A?

Answer:  It depends on where you are first placed after taking the Reading Placement Test. If you begin with Reading 201, then you must complete it and then take Reading 91 with its corequisite lab, Reading 101. After completing Reading 91 and the lab, Reading 101, you qualify to take English 1A for reading.  Be aware, however, that if you need to take English Writing 100A and/or 100B, you must also complete those courses before taking English 1A.