1. Literal Comprehension
Literal comprehension refers to understanding the straightforward meaning of the text, such as facts, vocabulary, dates, times, and locations.
Look for direct answers in the text. Underline key facts and details as you read. This is the foundation for all other comprehension types.
2. Reorganization
Reorganization requires using information from various parts of the text and combining them for additional understanding.
Connect information from different parts of the passage. Create mental or written notes of important details that might be combined later.
3. Inference
Making inferences involves combining literal understanding with personal knowledge to understand what is implied but not explicitly stated.
Ask yourself: “What does the author suggest without directly saying it?” Use clues from the text combined with logical reasoning.
4. Prediction
Prediction involves using understanding of the passage and personal knowledge to determine what might happen next or after a story ends.
Consider patterns, character traits, and cause-effect relationships. Support predictions with evidence from the text.
5. Evaluation
Evaluation requires making a comprehensive judgment about some aspect of the text, such as the author’s message or effectiveness.
Consider the author’s purpose, bias, and effectiveness. Support your evaluation with specific examples from the text.
6. Personal Response
Personal response requires readers to respond with their feelings about the text and subject, based on their understanding and personal experience.
Connect the text to your own experiences, values, and knowledge. Be honest but ensure your response relates to the text’s content.
Summary of Comprehension Types
Questions beyond literal understanding must be motivated by information in the text. Inference questions have correct/incorrect answers, while prediction, evaluation, and personal response answers depend on students’ reactions to the text.
Use the acronym LIRPEP to remember the 6 types: Literal, Inference, Reorganization, Prediction, Evaluation, Personal Response.