On the line: comprehension of concrete, literal meaning: Answers to these questions are right in the text.
A reader needs to know vocabulary, connotation, sentence structure, tone and the basic elements of a novel.
This level is satisfactory work (Grade: C).
In between the line: understanding inference: Answers to these questions must be “figured out” by what is said and what is not said.
A reader needs to be put together what’s there on the line and what a reasonable person can deduce. There may be more than one fair answer based on which elements a reader emphasizes.
This level is good because it shows more engagement with the material and more thinking about its meaning. (Grade: B).
Beyond the line: interpreting and thinking about character and situations in a context beyond the particular situation in the text.
Answers at this level are based on a person’s reading, experience, and analytical thinking about the text, life, literature, or history.
This level is excellent because it shows engagement with the material, deeper thinking about meaning, an ability to connect moments in a text and connect the text to life, and an ability to synthesize material. (Grade: A).