Understanding the Reading Stances

In order to understand the reading stances, one needs to look at sample questions, or "indicators" that are associated with each type of stance.

The stances have a hierarchy: Global Understanding is the lowest, or easiest stance. The highest, or most difficult, is the Critical Stance. They are listed in order below.

Although the indicators for each stance deal primarily with reading literature and fiction, they are easily adapted for non-fiction. Use the indicators to help develop questions about reading and to help identify which stance a question about reading would fall into.

Click on the stance name for the list of indicators for that stance:


New! "Kid Language" explanations of the stances.


For comments and inquiries, send email to:
Cam Miller
Curriculum Planner
Berlin Middle School
Berlin, Maryland