AbstractIt is the purpose of this study to show the relationship of arithmetic reasoning, critical thinking, fluency of words, fluency of ideas, sensitivity to problems, and general intelligence to literal and critical reading of sixth and eighth grade pupils. Six tests of intellectual abilities in addition to the STEP Reading Test, Level 3, Form A, were administered to 250 sixth-grade pupils and 276 eighth-grade pupils. Results showed that intercorrelations between two reading measures and general intelligence and the five intellectual abilities ranged from .15 to .70. General intelligence and arithmetic reasoning accounted for more than 90 percent of the explained variance of literal and critical reading at both grade levels. Results imply, first, that further studies measure the effects of arithmetic reasoning exercises upon improving reading comprehension; secondly, that standardized tests be developed which tap creative thinking abilities.