The Mt. SAC Levels of Comprehension Questions refers to a framework developed by the faculty at Mt.

San Antonio
College (Mt. SAC) to describe different levels of reading comprehension. This framework is often used in educational
settings to help students understand and improve their reading skills. The levels progress from basic understanding to
deeper analysis and critical thinking.

1) Literal Comprehension: At this level, readers understand the surface meaning of the text. They can identify facts,
details, and main ideas explicitly stated in the text.
Example:
After reading a paragraph about the life cycle of a butterfly, a student can accurately answer questions about the stages of
a butterfly’s development.

2) Interpretive Comprehension: This level involves understanding the implicit meaning of the text. Readers infer
information based on clues provided in the text and make connections between different parts of the text.
Example:
After reading a short story about a character who struggles with fear, a student can explain the character's emotions and
motivations based on the events described in the story.

3) Applied Comprehension: Here, readers can apply the information from the text to new situations or contexts. They
can analyze how the concepts or ideas presented in the text relate to real-life scenarios.
Example:
After reading an article about the causes of climate change, a student can discuss how human activities contribute to
environmental degradation and propose solutions to address the issue.

4) Critical Comprehension: This level involves evaluating the text critically, considering its validity, reliability, and
underlying assumptions. Readers can analyze the author's argument, identify biases, and form their own opinions.
Example:
After reading an opinion piece about a controversial social issue, a student can critically evaluate the author's arguments,
assess the evidence provided, and articulate their own perspective on the topic.

*****
The Mysterious Message

Once upon a time, in a quaint village nestled in the hills, there lived a young girl named Lily. Lily loved exploring the
woods that bordered the village, seeking out hidden treasures and secret pathways. One day, while wandering through
the forest, she stumbled upon an old tree with strange markings carved into its bark. Intrigued, Lily approached the tree
and noticed a small hole hidden among the roots.

Curious, she reached into the hole and pulled out a dusty scroll. Unrolling it carefully, she discovered a message written in
elegant script:

"Beneath the old oak tree,

Where the moonlight dances free,
Lies a secret waiting to be found,
But beware, for danger lurks around."

Determined to unravel the mystery, Lily set out to find the old oak tree mentioned in the message.

Level of
Comprehension Questions
1. What is the name of the main character in the story?
Literal 2. Where does Lily find the mysterious message?
3. What does the message say about the location of the secret?
4. Why do you think Lily is drawn to exploring the woods and seeking out hidden treasures?
5. What clues in the message suggest that there may be something valuable hidden beneath
Interpretive the old oak tree?
6. How might the mention of danger in the message affect Lily's decision to search for the
secret?
7. How could Lily use the information from the message to guide her search for the secret?
Applied 8. Can you think of a real-life situation where someone might use clues to uncover a hidden
treasure or solve a mystery?
9. How might Lily apply her problem-solving skills to navigate any dangers she encounters
while searching for the secret?
10. What evidence from the story supports the idea that Lily is a curious and adventurous
character?
Critical 11. How might someone critique the decision to explore the woods alone, given the potential
dangers mentioned in the message?
12. In your opinion, why do you think the author included the theme of mystery and
adventure in the story?