Academic writing at the university level is usually based on evidence, and that evidence comes from authoritative and reliable sources that need to be read and understood.

University students typically have much more to read than pupils in school, so learning how to read effectively essentially means learning how to read quickly so that you can complete all of your reading assignments.

In-class discussions are paramount to university seminars, and if you haven't done the required reading for these discussions, it is near impossible to partake in these discussions.

The level of reading at university is more challenging than the level required for school, so students must learn how to understand the more complicated vocabulary and complex topics by reading effectively.