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Reading Comprehension

Infosys Limited

Reading Comprehension

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Infosys Foundation Program

Infosys Limited

Reading Comprehension

Contents

Context ........................................................................................................................................................ 3
Reading Comprehension ............................................................................................................................ 3
1.1

Literal Reading ........................................................................................................................... 3

1.2

Interpretive Reading .................................................................................................................. 3

1.3

Applied Reading .......................................................................................................................... 4

Exercises ...................................................................................................................................................... 5

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Infosys Foundation Program

Infosys Limited

Reading Comprehension

Context
This document contains exercises to be completed as a part of the module- Reading Comprehension.

Reading Comprehension Levels


Reading is an essential skill, responsible for increasing ones ability, to assimilate large volumes of
information. It helps one read, diverse materials, for business or pleasure. Reading leads to better life
skills, as, one can communicate effectively, with the fund of knowledge at ones disposal, recollect his
learning, and pass it on to others.
Reading Comprehension is measured in 3 levels, based on the depth and complexity of reading. If we
measure it from easiest to the complex level, we can name it as:
1. Level 1- Literal
2. Level 2- Interpretive
3. Level 3- Applied

1.1 Literal Reading


Literal reading is the skill of receiving; primary, exact and direct meaning of ideas or words, inscribed in
the text, through literal reading comprehension. Literal reading can be utilized, by an average reader,
with good basics of language, as a thorough understanding of vocabulary, and sentence structure, is
important for literal comprehension. . Literal reading does not go deeper into the meaning or
symbolism, of the written text. . Literal reading refers to ideas and facts, directly stated on the printed
pages. So, distinguishing main ideas, details, sequences, causes and effects, are essential for literal
comprehension.

1.2 Interpretive Reading


The second level of comprehension is interpretive or referential comprehension. At this level, one reads
critically and analytically, reads more into what one has already read. It is apparent that before one
infers into reading matter, one has to understand the ideas that are stated (literal comprehension).
Interpretive reading begins with a good understanding of the material. Once a material is selected, it is
analyzed, to comprehend its sequence of thought. Prior knowledge is utilized, to make a prediction on
the information and draw conclusions. Learning outcome is more from the readers side, than from the
writers, as the reader has read more meaning into the text, than evident on the surface.
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Reading Comprehension

Methods of Interpretive reading:


Predicting logically, the author's purpose of writing the text.
Summarizing the main idea, when this is not explicitly stated in the text.
Selecting conclusions, which can be deduced from the text one has read.
Exploiting familiarity of story structure, to understand the organization of ideas, in the implied /
interpretive meaning.
Becoming aware of ones general perception, before, during and after reading.
Creating images, related to the text, by reading the text's headings and summaries, to create an
explicit plan of the texts content.
Making up questions, in order to search for answers, at a deeper level.
Being an active contributor to the content and relating one idea to the other, through
interpretive interactions, between what one garners from the text, and what one already
knows.
Using ones visual imagination and recollecting ones memory, during reading.
Utilizing word and semantic knowledge, employing crisis resolving and prediction skills.

1.3 Applied Reading


Applied reading is reading beyond the lines, while interpretive reading is reading between the lines. At
an applied level, statements which signify insight or opinions of the author are extracted from the
content and applied in real contexts. At the same time, interactions created by the author are united
with other ideas, outside the text range. The reader goes beyond direct and implied interpretations of
the content and activates the execute stage.
Methods to applied reading:
Preview before reading the text selection.
Identify which statements precisely reflect the meaning of the selection.
Analyze and synthesize the given information.

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Infosys Foundation Program

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Reading Comprehension

Exercises
Objective: To understand the various levels of reading.
Problem Description:
a) Literal Reading- Read the following passage and answer the questions:

Observe nuances of communication- Balasubramaniam S.

First, focus on positives and areas of agreement to build trust and agreement. Then, discuss negatives or
thorny issues. Starting with positives before talking about improvement always works. Take the example
of appraisal discussions. After nine years in the industry, an appraisal discussion of mine started with my
appraiser comparing me to a peer and saying how I should perform like the peer. I disagreed and argued
with the appraiser. The appraisal discussion went on for more than an hour. After the first 15 minutes on
the peer comparison my appraiser was actually listing all the positives in my performance. However, the
peer comparison had closed my mind and I did not register any of the positives. Later, I realized that the
appraiser had given me only one negative point but about eight positives. I went to him the next day and
thanked him for his appreciation.
Use appropriate body language
Communication includes oral, written, body language and voice tone. It also includes the ability to be
sensitive enough to pick up subtle cues. In my discussions with my direct reports they generally agree to
my point of view. Even if I asked if there were any differing viewpoints, the answer was none and that
the required items would be taken care of.
Recently, a colleague pointed out that we need to be sensitive about some people raising issues the
moment they see it while others do not raise it in public. Their concerns may surface in informal
discussions with other team members. This becomes very tricky to recognize during cross-location
conversations which is typically over a phone.
In face-to-face conversations, it is easier to observe and get cues and modify the tone of conversation. In
a phone based conversation, we need to recognize the personality type of the listener and be extra
cautious in encouraging some people to open up.

1. According to the author, which of the 2 techniques helps in effective communication?


a. Start with the negative and then bring in the positive
b. start with the positives before introducing areas of improvement
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Reading Comprehension

2. What did the author realize after the appraisal discussion?


a. He had shut his mind to what was being said as the discussion had begun on a negative
note.
b. He had not thanked the manager for the appraisal discussion

3. What is the most important aspect of communication apart from the words, tone and body
language that we use?
a. our ability to sympathize with our listeners and make them feel comfortable
b. our ability to pick up the unexpressed signals which may be implicit message
4. Which among the two types of communication given below is easier to help us decipher and
understand our audience?
a. face to face
b. over the telephone

b) Interpretive Reading-Read the following statements and mark the right answer by interpreting
the meaning:

1. Order any product from this web page this week and receive a complimentary gift.
a. Book for a product this week and youll get a discount.
b. Buy a product this week and youll get a gift of your choice.
c. Order anything from this webpage and get another one free.

2. We expect you to settle all your outstanding bills by cash with the month.
a. Only cash payment for your dues is accepted this month.
b. Payment can be either by cash or credit card by the month end.
c. All pending bills should be paid in cash by this month end.

3. If you want us to send you weekly newsletters, please tick the given box.
a. Leave the box empty if you dont mind receiving the mailers.
b. Mark the box to receive the weekly newsletters from us.
c. Tick the box if you are satisfied with the newsletters.

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Infosys Foundation Program

Infosys Limited

Reading Comprehension

4. We will replace goods damaged during transportation within two weeks of delivery.
a. Goods damaged or lost during delivery will be replaced immediately.
b. If this product arrives damaged, send it back for a replacement within 15 days.
c. We will provide a replacement if you send the product back immediately.

Summary of this assignment:


By the end of this assignment, the learner will be able to:

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Understand the various strategies of reading skills


Know the 4 different reading techniques
Know the 3 levels of Reading comprehension

Infosys Foundation Program

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