What is an Si Reader?
Si-level readers see the author as a writer, as a human being with his/her own biases, motivations, and blind spots. They have developed a critical eye toward writing and can discuss an author’s use of literary techniques. They can locate a particular book in its genre and make comparisons across texts on a wide variety of both themes and writing techniques. They read actively, talking back to the author, questioning and probing the ideas presented. Comfort with the 21–25 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 Si text fluently doesn’t mean he/she is a Si-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 Si designation. Si-level readers should be prepared for the marathon reading sessions (2–4 hours) required by college entrance exams.
