Dimensions of Comprehension

By: Maria Janifer B. Serenio

Comprehension
- the core of reading - involves thinking - the ultimate aim of reading

Dimensions Of Comprehension
Based on the Gray, Gates, Smith & Barrett models

Level I
Literal Comprehension
-is the ability to obtain a lowlevel type of understanding by using only information explicitly stated in the text. - reading the lines

Facts and details Rote learning and memorization Surface understanding only Common questions used are who, what, when and where questions.

Question starters:
give list find describe tell retell

Level II
Interpretation
- demands a higher level of thinking because the questions concerned with answers not directly stated in the text but suggested or implied. -reading between the lines

Drawing inferences
Tapping into prior knowledge / experience

Attaching new learning to old information

Making logical leaps and educated guesses

An inference is the ability to connect what is in the text with what is in the mind to create an educated guess.

-(Beers, 2003)-

Question starters:
why

how might
what do you think

Level III

Evaluation (Critical Reading) - involves the making of a personal judgment on the text by the reader.

Looking at the text on two aspects:

Content/ theme - accuracy -value -truthfulness -objectivity -recency -relevance

Elements of style -the use of language -literary devices

Question starters:
what can you learn from how might you what if

is it fair that

Sample Questions:
1.

Does the author provide adequate support for his conclusion? Is he attempting to sway your opinion? What part of the story best describes the main character?

2.

Level IV
Integration (Application to self & life) - stresses reading for use and for values clarification.

Level V

Creative Reading
- uses divergent thinking skills to come up with new ideas or alternate solutions to those presented by the writer.

Reproducing the text information in a different form through dramatization, oral or musical interpretation, personal narrative, visual expression, or written expression.

The Blind Men and the Elephant by John Saxe

It was six men of Indostan To learning much inclined, Who went to see the elephant (Though each of them were blind) That each by observation Might satisfy his mind.

The First approached the Elephant, And happening to fall Against his broad and sturdy side, At once began to bawl: God bless me! But the Elephant Is very like a wall!

The Second, feeling of the tusk, Cried: Ho! what have we here So very round and smooth and sharp? To me its mighty clear This wonder of an Elephant Is very like a spear!

The Third approached the animal, And happening to take The squirming trunk with his hands, Thus boldy up and spake: I see, quoth he, the Elephant Is very like a snake!

The Fourth reached out an eager hand, And felt about the knee What most this wondrous beast is like Is mighty plain, quoth he: Tis very clear enough the Elephant Is very like a tree!

The Fifth who chanced to touch the ear, Said, Een the blindest man Can tell what this resembles most; Deny the fact who can, This marvel of an Elephant Is very like a fan!

The Sixth no sooner had begun About the beast to grope, Than, seizing on the swinging tail That felt within his scope, I see, quoth he, the Elephant Is very like a rope!

And so these men of Indostan Disputed loud and long, Each in his own opinion Exceeding stiff and strong, Though each was partly right, And all were in the wrong.

Questions

Level I
Who went to see the elephant? Why did they wish to see it? Which part of the Elephant did each blind man touch and feel?

Level II

What kind of man were the six men of Indostan? Why do you say so? Read aloud the last two lines of the poem. What is meant by this part?

Level III

This poem tells a story. What kind of poem is it? What is the rhyme scheme of each stanza? What figure of speech is used in every stanza?

Level IV

In what ways can people be like the men of Indostan? Explain. What must people do before making a conclusion or decision?

Level V

List other things which resemble the parts of an Elephant. Based on your list, write a stanza or two about other blind men.

Check Your Understanding:

1. 2.

3.

The reader makes inferences or reads between the lines. The reader applies the authors ideas to his own values. The reader tries to come up with new or alternate solutions to those presented by the writer.

4. The reader recalls what the text says.

5. The reader makes judgments about the ideas presented or the elements of style used by the author.

6. The core of reading or the ultimate aim of reading.

Identify the following:

1.

What is the rhyme scheme of the song? Add another stanza to the song. Follow the tone of the song by mentioning impossible or improbable quests. Do you also have an impossible dream? What is it?

2.

3.

Sources:

ENGLISH 75 (The Reading Process) ED 109A (Developmental Reading 1) www. google.com

Thank you!!!!