An embodiment of the present invention is a method for testing an audience member's comprehension rate and presenting material in a media work at a rate determined from the comprehension rate, the method including: (a) determining a comprehension rate for materials to be presented in a media work; (b) storing information representing the comprehension rate; (c) determining a presentation rate for intervals of the media work utilizing the comprehension rate information to alter effort required for comprehension; and (d) presenting portions of the media work at the presentation rates determined.