Three-Level Reading Guide

The Outsiders

PURPOSE

The purpose of the Three-Level Reading Guide is to provide students with

instructional support as they are reading the novel. Not only does the guide
help the students to master the content, it also encourages and aids higher-
level thinking. In particular, three-level reading guides help the students
interact with texts on different levels of comprehension.

DIRECTIONS

STEP 1- Before reading the selected part of the text, pass out the reading
guide. Read through it as a class and answer any questions. Give examples of
what you are looking for.

STEP 2- Assign the students to read the selected text and completely fill out
the guide.

STEP 3- After the students finish, break into groups of 2-4 and have them
discuss their answers. If you dont want to use groups, you could also have a
class discussion.

ASSESSMENT

Through using the Three-Level Reading Guide, the teacher can assess the
students level of comprehension. The teacher can see the students literal
understanding of the text through the first set of statements, and their ability
to synthesize and think critically through the rest of the statements.

Christy Bateman, 2006

 Three-Level Reading Guide for
The Outsiders, Chapter 7
Teacher Example

I. Directions: Check the statements that you believe say what the
author says. Sometimes, the exact words are used; at other
times, other words may be used.

__X__ Ponyboy was confused when the reporters asked him questions.
__X__ Two-Bit thinks Ponyboy and Johnny were always heroes.
__X__ Darrys friends call him Superman or muscles.
_____ Sodapop thinks Ponyboy is faking his injuries.
_____ Randy is a lot older than Ponyboy.
__X__ Ponyboy thinks that Socs are regular guys, just like him.

II. Directions: Check the statements that you believe represent the
authors intended meaning.

__X__ Randy is a pretty good kidhes just been mixed up with the wrong
crowd.
__X__ The Socs have it just as hard as the Greasers.
_____ Only Ponyboy can really understand the Socs feelings.
_____ Ponyboy saved the kids from the fire because he knew Sodapop would be
proud.
__X__ Darry is hard on Ponyboy because he wants him to succeed.
__X__ Johnny has felt more pain than most at his age.

III. Directions: Check the statements you agree with, and be ready to
support your choices with ideas from the text and your own
knowledge and beliefs.

_____ Greasers have harder trials than Socs.

_____ If someone doesnt cry, it means theyre not that sad.
_____ Saving someones life can make up for killing someone.
_____ Appearances are often deceiving.
_____ People usually have the same values as their friends.

Three-Level Reading Guide for

Christy Bateman, 2006
 The Outsiders, Chapter 7
I. Directions: Check the statements that you believe say what the
author says. Sometimes, the exact words are used; at other
times, other words may be used.

_____ Ponyboy was confused when the reporters asked him questions.
_____ Two-Bit thinks Ponyboy and Johnny were always heroes.
_____ Darrys friends call him Superman or muscles.
_____ Sodapop thinks Ponyboy is faking his injuries.
_____ Randy is a lot older than Ponyboy.
_____ Ponyboy thinks that Socs are regular guys, just like him.

II. Directions: Check the statements that you believe represent the
authors intended meaning.

_____ Randy is a pretty good kidhes just been mixed up with the wrong
crowd.
_____ The Socs have it just as hard as the Greasers.
_____ Only Ponyboy can really understand the Socs feelings.
_____ Ponyboy saved the kids from the fire because he knew Sodapop would be
proud.
_____ Darry is hard on Ponyboy because he wants him to succeed.
_____ Johnny has felt more pain than most at his age.

III. Directions: Check the statements you agree with, and be ready to
support your choices with ideas from the text and your own
knowledge and beliefs.

_____ Greasers have harder trials than Socs.

_____ If someone doesnt cry, it means theyre not that sad.
_____ Saving someones life can make up for killing someone.
_____ Appearances are often deceiving.
_____ People usually have the same values as their friends.

Christy Bateman, 2006