When most habitancy read they are unaware that there are unquestionably four distinct levels of reading. These four distinct levels were described in a book written by Mortimer Adler. His book was called, "How To Read A Book," and most reading experts agree this is one of the finest books ever written on this subject. This article will introduce you to these four levels of reading. First, let's learn a bit about the author.
Adler was the editor of the Encyclopedia Britannica for approximately 38 years. He is also the editor of the Great Books Of The Western World Series. He knew a great deal about books and reading. He identified four levels of reading: (1) elementary, (2) inspectional, (3) analytical, and (4) syntopical. Let us gawk each of these levels.
Elementary reading is the kind of reading typically seen in a young child. It consists of studying phonetics, or the sounds linked with each letter. It is also studying to read exact words. This is the first type of reading each of us needs to learn before exciting to the next three levels.
Inspectional reading occurs when you are scanning text to learn the main idea. In company this would be the 50,000 foot view, or the big picture. You learn the main ideas, and become aware of what details you could learn--if you choose to learn them.
Analytical reading is when you are studying the details of a text. At this level you understand the meaning and point of the material. It is a deep level of understand that approaches the mastery of the material.
The fourth level of reading is syntopical reading. Syntopical reading requires you to synthesis the material from a range of books. Each of their topics is compared and contrasted, hence the term syntopical or synthesis of topics. At this level you are exciting the opinions of one writer with those of other so you can form a judgment about which position is correct.
The next time you begin reading a text, stop and take a occasion and ask yourself, "which level of reading is most accepted for my goals and objectives?" This will help you read more efficiently, and avoid wasting necessary time.
