What is a Gl Reader?
Gl-level readers understand that texts are a product of their times. They seek to locate the text in the literary or intellectual context of the author as a way to examine the influences on its style and themes. They have developed a critical eye toward writing and can discuss an author’s use of literary techniques, propaganda, and rhetoric. They read actively, talking back to the author, locating him/her in a given social, political, or artistic moment, questioning and probing both the ideas and their presentation. Comfort with the 25+ literary words per typical chapter book page requires extensive experience as a reader. Sentences are complex, figurative language is common, and most adults cannot handle materials written at this level of complexity. Just because a reader can read a Gl text fluently doesn’t mean he/she is a Gl level reader. Dig deeply into the reader’s knowledge of the vocabulary, understanding of the ideas, and ability to critique the writing before assigning him/her the Gl designation. Gl-level readers should be prepared for the marathon reading sessions (2–4 hours) required by college entrance exams.
