Development of Reading Comprehension

Question 1

Four levels of reading comprehension

Answer 1

1. Elementary level - understanding the literal meaning of words.
2. “Inspectual reading” or “systematic skimming”
3. Analytic reading - most complete reading that is possible given unlimited time.
4. Comparative reading - relating books

Question 2

(Reading Stage)
From birth until the beginning of formal education. The children grow in their control over various aspects of language - syntax and words.

Answer 2

Stage 0 - Pre reading: Birth to Age 6

Question 3

(Reading Stage)
This stage is characterized by an increasing ability in reading. Earlier in this stage, the process may be characterized by word-substitution errors, most of which are semantically and syntatically adequate.

Answer 3

Stage 1 - Beginning Reading Stage: Ages 6-7

Question 4

(Reading Stage)
Reading is not for gaining new information, but for confirming what is already known for the reader.

Answer 4

Stage 2 - Confirmation, Fluency, Ungluing from Print: Grade 2-3 (Ages 7-8)

Question 5

(Reading Stage)
Start on the long course of reading to “learn the new” - new knowledge, information, thoughts, and experiences. Their background knowledge is still limited at this stage.

Answer 5

Stage 3 - Reading for learning the New

Question 6

(Reading Stage)
Involves dealing with more than one point of view. Mostly acquired though formal education.

Answer 6

Stage 4 - Multiple Viewpoint: High School (Ages 14 - 18)

Question 7

(Reading Stage)
The most mature stage. One has learned to read certain books and articles in the degree of detail and completeness that one needs for one’s purpose.

Answer 7

Stage 5 - Construct and Reconstruction: A World View - College (Ages 18 and above)