Answer to Question 1
With passive listening, listeners concentrate at a low level and absorb just enough of what
they are hearing to stay involved in the message. With active listening, listeners concentrate at
a high level on what is being said and participate mentally in the conversation. Passive
listening is appropriate when you are listening for pleasure or when it does not matter whether
or not you retain what you are hearing. Active listening is appropriate when you must
remember what you are hearing, such as in school or in the workplace.
Answer to Question 2
Retention
But even more important than reading speed are comprehension (understanding) and
retention (remembering). Many of the suggestions made for increasing reading speed also
contribute to greater comprehension.