levels of comprehension

Levels of Comprehension

1. Literal
2. Interpretative
3. Critical
4. Application

1.Literal refers to the acquisition of meaning of ideas or information that are explicitly stated in the text.
a. Identifying Specific Information . This reading skill requires one to focus his attention only on one or some particular information or detail which he needs from a text ; the rest of the text may not be read anymore .
b. Sequencing Events or Ideas . The reader’s ability to grasp thee sequence of ideas as presented by the writer enables him to summarize , outline and infer correctly .
c. Following Instructions
2. Interpretative Level of Comprehension . Sometimes , an information or concept is not explicitly stated in the text so that the reader has to go through the process of inferring beyond the literal meaning .
Interpretation is reading or getting meaning between lines which requires the reader’s sensitivity to clues and the ability to link these clues to his own experience .
a. Identifying the Main Idea. ( Implied ) .
Main idea refers to the central meaning , the focal point or the thesis of a sentence or discourse .
b. Forming Conclusion
Conclusion is a judgment inferred from evidence . It is drawn from the information given in the text and is usually stated in the manner of a theory or general statement about the subject .
c. Drawing Implications .
Given Information Implications
The dog began to bark wildly. A stranger is on the gate .
d. Drawing Inferences .
Inference “ Nothing more than a probable or natural explanation of facts and arises from the commonly accepted experience of mankind and the inferences which reasonable men would draw from these experiences .
Ramon is often misunderstood by others . He seems to be teeming with ideas but he cannot explain clearly what he wants to say . He is inarticulate .
e. Predicting Outcomes. Closely related to the skill of formulating conclusions , generalizations and implications and as is important as them
3. Critical Level of Comprehension. The judgment of validity or worth of what is read or heard , based on sound criteria of standards developed through previous experiences . It is reading beyond the lines . Among the identified skill in this level are making judgments of
a. The author’s intent or purpose
b . The accuracy , logic , reliability and authenticity of the text or writing
c. The author’s point of view
d. His language
e. His style of presentation
f. The appropriacy of the literary and expository devices he uses to attain his purpose g. Distinguishing a fact from an opinion , a conclusion from a hypothesis

What questions may be asked for each level of comprehension ? A few examples are hereunder presented to guide you .
1. Literal Level Where was the news item written ?
During what occasion was the denunciation made ?
In what part of the world is the fighting taking place ?
2. Interpretative Level What is the general idea of the news story ?
What is the meaning of the line “ war has been declared on
Peace ?
Do you think it was right for the Pope to focus his Easter
Message on the war in the Holy Land ? Explain your
Answer .
3. Critical Level Is the title attention – catching ? Does it carry the news by
Itself ?
Are the details easily understood ?
The story was found on the front page of the newspaper.
Was the prominence given to it justifiable ?
4 . Application Level of Comprehension This level of comprehension goes beyond the three levels and culminates in the application of listening or reading to practical applications
Using Context Clues
Context Clues are words or expressions that hint at the meaning of a word .
Paraphrasing . A paraphrase is a restatement of the meaning of a passage or word for clarity . It is a simplified version of the original work .
Summarizing . A summary is a brief account of the main ideas or major points discussed in a much longer article . Sometimes called précis , it is a condensation of the original material usually in the reader’s language and style .