Reading, an essential skill in our quest for knowledge and understanding, is not a singular, monolithic task. It is a nuanced, multi-layered process that evolves and deepens over time. In this enlightening post, I delve into the rich insights offered by Mortimer Adler and Charles Van Doren in their classic work, “How to Read a Book“. First published in 1940, this book has remained a timeless guide, continuously re-published and revered for its profound understanding of the reading process.
Adler and Van Doren’s treatise is more than just a how-to guide; it is a map charting the journey from basic literacy to advanced comprehension and critical thinking. By categorizing reading into four distinct but interconnected stages – elementary, inspectional, analytical, and syntopical – they offer a unique perspective on how we interact with texts.
Their choice of the term ‘levels’ rather than ‘types’ or ‘kinds’ of reading is deliberate and insightful. It underscores the idea that reading is not just a set of discrete skills but a continuum where each stage builds on the previous, forming a cohesive and progressive journey.
To help you visualize and better understand these stages, I’ve created a graphic that encapsulates the essence of Adler and Van Doren’s four levels of reading. You’re welcome to download and share this visual aid, remembering to credit us as the source.
The Four Levels of Reading
Here are the four levels of reading according to authors Mortimer J. Adler and Charles Van Doren:
1. Elementary reading
At this foundational stage, the focus is on basic literacy skills. It’s akin to the early steps in a long journey of learning. Elementary reading is primarily about decoding words and simple comprehension. For learners, usually in grades one through three, the emphasis is on recognizing letters, understanding basic vocabulary, and grasping simple sentence structures. The texts are straightforward and often accompanied by illustrations to aid comprehension.
The joy here lies in the initial discovery of being able to convert symbols on a page into meaningful language. It’s a magical moment for many young learners, as they begin to independently access the world of written words. This level is crucial as it sets the foundation for more advanced reading skills. It’s like building the base of a pyramid; every subsequent skill in reading depends on the solidity of this base.
2. Inspectional reading
Transitioning from elementary reading, inspectional reading is about getting the most out of a book within a limited time frame. It’s like conducting a reconnaissance mission on a text. This level is typical for middle school students, who are beginning to explore more complex texts and need strategies to navigate them efficiently. Here, the reader skims or pre-reads the material, paying attention to headings, introductory sections, summaries, and key paragraphs.
The goal is to understand the structure and get an overall sense of the book. It’s a bit like looking at a map before a journey; you’re not traveling the path yet, but getting a sense of the terrain. This level of reading is particularly useful in an academic context, where students need to quickly ascertain whether a book or article is relevant to their research or studies.
3. Analytical reading
As readers mature, usually around high school or early college years, they engage in analytical reading. This level is more methodical and critical. It’s not just about understanding what is written, but also about examining how it’s written and why. The reader dissects the text, scrutinizing arguments, themes, and the author’s intentions. They evaluate the coherence, logic, and evidence presented in the work.
Analytical reading is like being a detective and a judge simultaneously; you’re piecing together clues (the author’s words and ideas) to form a coherent understanding of the text, and then critically assessing its merits. This form of reading fosters critical thinking and deeper comprehension, essential skills in higher education and professional fields.
As the authors stated, “reading a book analytically is chewing and digesting” (p.19).
4. Syntopical reading
At the peak of reading skills is syntopical reading, often pursued by advanced scholars or avid learners deeply delving into a specific topic. This involves reading multiple books on the same subject and synthesizing information to form an informed perspective. It’s like assembling a jigsaw puzzle where each piece is a different book, and the complete picture is a comprehensive understanding of a subject.
This level requires extensive organization, comparison, and analysis of various texts. Syntopical reading is essential for tasks like literature reviews in academic research, where a broad and yet deep understanding of a topic is crucial. It represents a sophisticated level of comprehension and analytical ability, combining knowledge from various sources to form a new, holistic understanding.
Related: Research Articles Debunking Learning Styles Theory
Final thoughts
In conclusion, understanding these four levels of reading – Elementary, Inspectional, Analytical, and Syntopical – offers invaluable insight into the development of reading skills at various stages of education. From the foundational basics in elementary reading to the sophisticated synthesis in syntopical reading, each level represents a significant step in the journey towards complete literacy and comprehension.
