Readrrr - Focus Reader
All reading tools

Reading Mode Showdown

Normal page, bionic text, RSVP, or phrase RSVP. Read a short story in each, answer three questions, and see which one works best for you.

What you do

How it works

  1. One short story per reading mode, all the same length and difficulty.
  2. After each one: a few questions and how it felt.
  3. Your score for a mode is speed multiplied by comprehension. The best mode is whichever scores highest, including the plain page.

Your best reading mode is RSVP.

Modes to compare

Story length

Questions about reading methods

Does bionic reading work?

Controlled studies so far have found little or no speed gain from bolding the first letters of words. Some readers still find it more comfortable. The honest answer is that it varies by person, which is why this test measures it for you instead of making a claim. See the guide on bionic reading.

What is the difference between RSVP and phrase RSVP?

RSVP shows one word at a time in a fixed spot. Phrase RSVP shows two or three words per flash at the same overall pace. Single words are easier to take in at a glance. Phrases keep short word groups together, which some readers find more natural.

How is the score calculated?

Words per minute multiplied by the share of questions you got right. A fast read with poor comprehension scores lower than a steady read you understood. The two self-paced modes run at your own speed. The two RSVP modes run at your comfortable speed from the Perfect Speed Finder if you have one, otherwise at about 1.4 times your page speed.