In this study, rate controlled speech is defined as speech that is reproduced in less time or in more time than the time required for its original production. The particular comprehension skills of interest were: the ability to detect main ideas; the ability to determine supporting details; and the ability to draw conclusions. These skills were assessed for both general and study listening materials presented at varying accelerated speech rates. On the basis of their performance on the Diagnostic Reading Test (DRT), postsecondary technical students were classified into one of three reading ability groups: below average, average, or above average. Subjects were randomly assigned to listen to the comprehension section of the DRT which had been recorded by a professional reader at varying rates. From the results, it was concluded that there was a significant difference in the listening ability of the three groups to comprehend main ideas in general and study materials; to comprehend details in general and study materials; to comprehend conclusions in general and study materials; and to comprehend details in general and study materials at accelerated speech rates. (Author/TS)