Chapter 2: The Levels of Reading
We continue our reading of How to Read a Book with a brief overview of the levels of reading.
What determines the way a person reads? (p. 16)
The way a person reads is determined by the goal the reader sets for themselves – whether they are reading for entertainment, for information or for understanding. This will determine the amount of effort and skill that is put into reading.
The first level of reading is called Elementary Reading. Briefly describe the first level of reading. (p.17)
Also known as rudimentary reading, basic reading or initial reading – this level indicates a basic level passing from non-literacy to beginning literacy. The basic art of reading is attained – and is called Elementary because it is the skill usually learned in elementary school. This is the very basic reading level – distinguishing letters and putting together words and sounds, identifying the sounds.
The second level of reading is called Inspectional Reading. Briefly describe the second level of reading. (p. 18)
Inspectional reading indicates reading through a book in a set time – to get the most out of a book within a determined period of time. This is what we think of as skimming or prereading – not to be confused with casual browsing. This level of reading is better described as skimming systematically. The goal at this level of reading is to examine the surface of the book, to determined “what is this book about.”
The third level of reading is called Analytical Reading. Briefly describe the third level of reading. (p. 19)
Analytical reading is more complex and analytical than both Elementary Reading and Inspectional Reading. This is thorough most complete reading that is possible given unlimited time. The reader at this level must ask many questions of what they are reading. While all reading is active, analytical reading is intensely active.
Francis Bacon is quoted as saying “some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested.” Analytical reading is chewing and digesting a book.
Analytical reading is not really necessary if one is merely reading for entertainment or even just for information. This level of reading is primarily for the purpose of understanding.
The fourth and highest level of reading is called Syntopical Reading. What else might it be called? Briefly describe the fourth level of reading. (p. 19-20)
The fourth and highest level of reading is Syntopical Reading – the most complex and systematic of the reading levels. Also known as comparative reading, because the reader is reading multiple books, that are placed in relation to each other and also revolve around the same subject. By reading multiple books, an analysis of the subject that is not found in reading just a single book can be constructed. This level of reading is the most active and effortful.
** Note – assume much of the content following each discussion question is a paraphrase and comes from the book How to Read a Book.
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Michelle Home Scholar 