"Reading Themes and Skills" contains original engaging readings designed to help intermediate students develop stronger academic reading skills and build American cultural literacy. The textbook's introduction reviews the parts of speech and vocabulary. Each chapter of "Reading Themes and Skills" features pre-reading activities that develop skills like predicting and building background knowledge. The chapter readings are linked by theme and followed by reading strategies and skills: Skill Study--scanning, making inferences, reading for details, finding main ideas, and understanding voice and audienceGrammar in Context--review and practice of specific grammar points Focus on Parts of Speech--review of each part of speech Theme Study--discussion and vocabulary activities that deepen understanding of the theme and reading passages. Each unit closes with vocabulary activities that reinforce the words practiced.