The Active Readeris designed to provide students with a practical, integrated approach to reading and writing at the university level. The book is divided into three sections, the first on academic reading, which introduces students to the conventions of academic discourse and to critical thinking; the second on academic writing, which begins with an overview of the university essay and then discusses reports, critical analyses, summaries, and research essays; and a final section of 36 readings organized into six thematic sections, each of which includes a diverse selection of cross-disciplinary readings.

Parts one and two are fully restructured in this edition to make the material easier to understand. They also include a host of individual and collaborative exercises that encourage students to engage with the acts of reading and writing and appreciate their interconnectedness, while sample readings and essays highlight key concepts in a tangible, useable format. Part three is fully updated and includes 32 new readings, 28 of which are authored by Canadians, discussing current issues and topics such as the 2008 economic downturn; white-collar crime, and Facebook. Each reading includes pre-reading questions, a list of key and difficult words, discussion questions, individual and collaborative activities, and a list of related readings to help students understand and engage with the selections.