Ordinary reading skills won't do in today's world because there is too much informatio and too little time to assimilate it. If you read at the average speed of 250 words per minute, you're at a major disadvantage trying to take in the facts and concepts you need to perform well in school or on the job. For the metter, you're at a severe disadvantage even at speed of 400-600 words per minute, a rate that's in the top range for the most experienced students and adults.