Struggling to remember what you read? A curated guide from top educators Mortimer J. Adler and Charles Van Doren can teach you how to read a book effectively for intellectual and emotional development.
Their comprehensive guide 'How to Read a Book: The Classic Guide to Intelligent Reading' offers timeless advice on improving your reading skills with actionable steps and innovative approaches. The Headway app summarizes Adler's methods and offers daily micro-lessons to help you apply intelligent reading strategies in just minutes a day.
In this article, you'll discover:
Adler's 4 levels of reading and how to apply them
Skimming and inspectional techniques for nonfiction
How to read fiction with deeper emotional insight
Tools and apps to build a consistent reading habit
FAQs about intelligent reading and comprehension
Four levels of reading comprehension: Adler's guide to intelligent reading
The art of reading intelligently is more than just absorbing the words on a page in the first place. It involves actively engaging with the text by questioning, analyzing, and understanding the information.
Mortimer J. Adler and Charles Van Doren's 'How to Read a Book' helps readers improve their reading skills and text comprehension. It teaches how to engage deeply with texts through four reading levels — elementary, inspectional, analytical, and syntopical. Each level highlights practical techniques that enhance understanding and retention.
1. Elementary reading: The foundation of literacy
At this level, the focus is on mastering basic reading abilities such as recognizing letters, understanding simple sentences, and developing a fundamental vocabulary. All other reading skills are built upon it.
The elementary level covers the early stages of literacy, aiming to decode words, make sense of straightforward texts, and begin to appreciate the joy of reading. This foundational stage is crucial as it sets the groundwork for more advanced skills, enabling readers to engage with more complex materials as they progress.
While explaining the elementary level of reading, Adler states:
"The child is a 'mature' reader in the sense that he is now capable of reading almost anything, but still in a relatively unsophisticated manner. In the simplest terms, he is mature enough to do high school work. However, he is not yet a 'mature' reader in the sense in which we want to employ the term in this book. He has mastered the first level of reading, that is all; he can read on his own and is prepared to learn more about reading. But he does not yet know how to read beyond the elementary level."
2. Inspectional reading: How to skim books for central ideas
Inspectional reading involves skimming a book to get a sense of its central ideas and structure. This approach helps you quickly gather information to decide whether a more in-depth read is necessary.
By mastering inspectional reading, you can efficiently determine if a book is worth your time for a more thorough examination.
The focus is on capturing the essence of the book without delving into every detail, allowing you to make an informed decision about how much further engagement the book requires.
As Adler rationalizes:
"Skimming or pre-reading a book is always a good idea; it is necessary when you do not know, as is often the case, whether the book you have in mind is worth reading carefully."
When holding a new book in your hands for the first time — even if it's a bestseller — it's hard to know whether it's worth investing your time or money in reading it. Adler's advice can be beneficial in making that decision.
Let's explore the essential techniques Adler outlines for inspectional reading.
Techniques for skimming
Pre-reading: Review the book's page numbers, table of contents, index, and introduction. This method helps you understand the structure and main topics the author intends to explore, setting the stage for a more informed skimming process.
Skimming: Read chapter headings, subheadings, and summaries. This technique lets you capture the book's main ideas and key points without diving into the details. As you move through the text, take note of emerging patterns and themes. These will give you a clearer picture of the book's content and relevance to your interests or needs.
Superficial reading: Quickly read the book without stopping to analyze or reflect on every part. It allows you to grasp the overall essence of the content, giving you just enough information to determine whether a more in-depth reading is necessary. This technique is handy when quickly assessing a book's relevance, ensuring that your reading hours are devoted only to the most worthwhile content.
Tools like the Headway app can save you time by providing precise and concise book summaries, allowing you to quickly grasp the main points without reading the entire book.
To further enhance your brain's productivity, we recommend Jim Kwik's 'Limitless: Upgrade Your Brain, Learn Anything Faster, and Unlock Your Exceptional Life.' You can find a brief review of this book in English on the Headway app.
To improve your study skills, read our blog post, Three Best Study Skills Books, where you'll find reviews of key books we recommend to enhance your learning skills and techniques.
3. Analytical reading: Gain full comprehension from the text
In contrast to inspectional reading, which provides a quick overview, analytical reading digs deep into the text. It emphasizes careful analysis and full comprehension. This approach turns reading into a detailed examination of the content.
Adler emphasizes:
"Reading a book on any level beyond the elementary is essentially an effort on your part to ask it questions (and to answer them to the best of your ability)."
Asking and answering questions to the best of our ability as we read a book develops our analytical skills, which are crucial for the first reading.
According to Adler's guide, analytical reading involves developing a deeper understanding of a book by breaking down its arguments and examining its structure and themes.
This practice improves text comprehension, which can be enhanced even further by active reading strategies.
Strategies for active reading
Read actively: Engage with the text, ask questions, and highlight key points.
Apply critical thinking: Analyze the arguments, evaluate the evidence, and identify key concepts.
Take notes in the margins: Use a pencil to mark the text. For example, put a question mark if you disagree with the author or have hesitations about a statement; use an exclamation mark if you find it noteworthy. Mark key sections and underline relevant terms. It will make it easier for you to review the most interesting part of the book later.
Use context clues: Pay attention to what is said before and after the passage that caught your attention. Consider the cultural, historical, or other context of its presentation.
Re-read: If something is unclear, simply go back and re-read it. A "second pass" can reveal important details that went unnoticed initially.
This now leads us to Adler's fourth level of reading: syntopical.
4. Syntopical reading: How to compare and synthesize topics
The term "syntopical" comes from the Greek words "syn" (meaning "together") and "topos" (meaning "place" or "topic"). Thus, it refers to bringing together various topics or viewpoints for comparative analysis.
This method is particularly valuable in scholarly research, helping to create a more comprehensive view of a subject matter by integrating diverse perspectives. Adler explains:
"The syntopical reader tries to look at all sides and to take no sides."
According to Adler, syntopical reading involves comparing and synthesizing information from multiple books on the same topic, allowing for a broader understanding. It's a skill that can be developed with practice.
Develop syntopical reading skills
To improve your syntopical reading skills, practice the following:
Comparative reading: Identify common themes and differences across various texts.
Suppose you're studying the concept of democracy. So, you might read 'The Federalist Papers' alongside Alexis de Tocqueville's 'Democracy in America' and John Stuart Mill's 'On Liberty.' By identifying common themes (such as individual freedoms) and noting differences (like different views on the role of government), you can gain a richer understanding of democracy, grow your competence in the subject, and form your own position.
Synthesis: Integrate insights from different sources to form a cohesive understanding of the topic.
Imagine you want to research "Climate change policies." You could check the reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), journal articles on renewable energy, and a good book like Bill Gates's 'How to Avoid a Climate Disaster.'
By integrating insights from these diverse sources, you can form a comprehensive view of how scientific evidence, policy recommendations, or even the opinions of globally recognized leaders interact to address climate change.
Critical evaluation: Assess the strengths and weaknesses of arguments from multiple authors.
While studying artificial intelligence (AI), you might read George Gilder's 'Life After Google.' It argues that the current dominance of big tech companies (such as Google) is unsustainable and will soon shift to a new paradigm centered around privacy, security, and individual ownership of data.
In contrast, Kai-Fu Lee argues in 'AI Superpowers' that AI will replace many jobs and create new opportunities. Lee goes even further, predicting that China, as opposed to the US, will become a global leader in AI development.
By comparing and assessing the strengths of these arguments — Gilder's AI paradigm shift warning versus Lee's ideas advancing AI and promoting China's role — you can develop a more balanced perspective on the ethical challenges of AI.
Now that we've outlined Adler's four levels of reading a book, let's move on to mastering specific techniques for effective reading.
Applying reading strategies for different genres: Fiction vs. nonfiction
Once you've established basic reading skills, the next step is to apply them in a way that fosters growth. Adler suggests beginning with books from your personal collection, local library, or other easily accessible sources matching your reading level and interests. This approach allows you to engage with both familiar and challenging material.
Start with simpler texts that align with your comprehension level, such as children's literature or young adult fiction, and then gradually move on to more complex works as your confidence and abilities grow. This method not only improves your reading skills but also keeps you motivated by aligning the content with your personal interests.
How to read fiction like a pro: Analyzing characters and themes
When reading fiction, focus on understanding the plot, characters, and themes.
While reading Jane Austen's ‘Pride and Prejudice,’ employ Adler's techniques to explore the social commentary behind character interactions and the deeper meaning of themes like marriage and class.
In F. Scott Fitzgerald's ‘The Great Gatsby,’ analyze the symbolism of the green light and its connection to the American Dream.
Studying non-fiction: Techniques for deep understanding
Nonfiction requires a more analytical approach, as it often addresses pragmatic issues and helps people solve real-world problems. This type of literature usually covers topics like business, social science, and personal development. To maximize your understanding and retention of nonfiction books, consider employing these strategic steps:
Outline: Create an outline of the book's main arguments and supporting evidence. For example, when reading Daniel Kahneman's 'Thinking, Fast and Slow,' note the main distinctions between "System 1" and "System 2" thinking.
Compare: Relate the author's ideas to other texts and real-world experiences. For instance, compare the concepts from Clayton Christensen's 'The Innovator's Dilemma' to actual case studies of companies that succeeded or failed in innovation.
Reflect: Reformulate the main ideas in your own words. Consider how the information can be applied to personal or professional contexts. Meditate on the strategies in David Allen's 'Getting Things Done' and decide what changes you must make to improve your productivity at work.
Resources and tools to boost your reading skills
In addition to Adler's and Van Doren's 'How to Read a Book,' there are many helpful resources to support effective reading, including other books, apps, websites, and reading communities. Here are some of them:
Books:
Rostyslav Semkiv's 'How to Read the Classics' presents a concise and insightful guide to understanding classic literature and its profound impact on modern readers.
Kam Knight's 'Speed Reading. Learn to read a 200+ page book in 1 hour' offers practical techniques to improve reading speed and text comprehension.
Headway App: Explore book summaries and learning resources to enhance reading skills and knowledge.
Reading tools: Use digital tools such as Amazon Kindle Unlimited (which provides access to a vast library of eBooks and audiobooks) or Amazon Prime Reading (which, included with an Amazon Prime membership, offers access to a rotating selection of eBooks, magazines, and audiobooks).
How the Headway app can help increase your reading productivity
By following Adler's and Van Doren's techniques and using resources such as the Headway app, you can significantly increase your reading effectiveness and achieve your career or personal growth goals. First-time users may find the app helpful for quickly obtaining essential takeaways from great books.
Every good reader values quality content and doesn't want to waste time on something that lacks value. The Headway app provides a curated list of books and topics, helping you:
Sort out the books with the highest value for your goals.
Save reading time by excluding the sources you're not interested in.
Access practical books relevant to your real-life situation.
Headway's resources include many more works similar to 'How to Read a Book,' helping to increase your reading speed, improve text comprehension, and master the art of reading in general.
Whether you're a student, professional, book club fan, or avid reader, the strategies outlined in this article will empower you to read with purpose, deeper understanding, and enjoyment while saving time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Mortimer J. Adler and Charles Van Doren?
Mortimer J Adler was an American philosopher and advocate for general education who championed the study of Western literature. He is known for his contributions to the development of the Great Books program. Charles Van Doren was an American writer and editor. He also co-authored 'How to Read a Book.' Both authors were born in New York City in the first half of the 20th century.
What are the 4 levels of reading?
There are four levels of reading that progressively deepen the ability to understand and engage with books: elementary, inspectional, analytical, and syntopical. Each level builds upon the previous, introducing new skills and perspectives. Let's dive into each to grasp Adler's approach better.
How to read properly?
Combine active reading and critical thinking techniques for better comprehension and retention. Active reading involves engaging with the text by questioning, annotating, and summarizing to stay focused on key points. Highlight phrases, underline important points, and jot down thoughts in the margins or a notebook. Critical thinking is also essential for analyzing and interpreting texts. It involves assessing the author's arguments, evaluating evidence, and identifying biases.
How to develop a reading habit?
To truly benefit from reading, developing a consistent habit is essential. Set setting aside regular time for reading, even if it begins with just a few minutes each day. Start with shorter sessions that fit comfortably into your routine and gradually increase the duration as your focus and comprehension improve.
How to be a perfect reader?
The key is to make reading a pleasurable and rewarding experience rather than a chore. As you train yourself to read consistently, you'll find that your ability to understand and engage with texts deepens, making reading not just an activity but a fulfilling habit that enriches your life.
