STANAG - Reading Text Characteristics by Level

From the NATO BILC Tester Toolbox

**Overview of Reading Text Characteristics by Level (STANAG 6001 SLP)**
Level (SLP)	Author Purpose	Typical Text Type	Reader Purpose
1	Orient by communicating main ideas.	Simple short sentences with simple vocabulary. Sentences may be resequenced without changing the meaning of the text. Text organization is loose without much cohesion, but follows societal norms.	Orient oneself by identifying topics and main topic or fact(s).
2	Instruct by communicating structured factual information.	Connected factual discourse with compound and complex sentences dealing with factual information. Sentences are sequenced within cohesive paragraphs, but it might be possible to reorder some paragraphs without changing the meaning of the text. The identity of the author is not important.	Understand not only the main topics and facts, but also the supporting details such as temporal and causative relationships.
3	Evaluate situations, concepts, conflicting ideas; present and support arguments and/or hypotheses with both factual and abstract reasoning; often accompanied by the appropriate use of wit, sarcasm, or emotionally-laden lexical choices.	A multiple-paragraph block of discourse on a variety of unfamiliar or abstract subjects such as might be found in editorials, official correspondence, and professional writing. References may be made to previous paragraphs, common cultural values, etc. The "voice" of the author is evident.	Learn by relating ideas and conceptual arguments. Understand the text's literal and figurative meaning by reading both "the lines" and "between the lines". Recognize the author's tone and infer the author's intent.
4	Project lines of thought beyond the expected, connect previously unrelated ideas or concepts, and present complex ideas with nuanced precision and virtuosity with the goal of propelling the reader into the author's world of thought.	Extended discourse that is tailored for the message being sent and for the intended audience. To achieve the desired tone and precision of thought, the author will often demonstrate the skillful use of low-frequency vocabulary, cultural and historical concepts, and an understanding of the audience's shared experiences and values.	Read "beyond the lines", understand the author's sociolinguistic and cultural references, follow innovative turns of thought, and interpret the text in view of its wider cultural, societal, and political setting.
Note: The STANAG 6001 scale includes levels up to 5, but this specific overview details characteristics for levels 1 through 4.