Reading Ability

Vertical text sets cater to readers with varying proficiency levels by offering texts on the same
topic at different difficulty levels. They help teachers offer comfortable starting places in the
curriculum to students with varying experiences and proficiencies as readers. These sets can
also serve as a ladder that allows students to progressively increase their range of reading
comfort and their reading proficiency. (Schoenbach, et al. 2012, p. 142). For instance, a
vertical text set on the American Revolution might include a simplified passage for struggling
readers, an intermediate text for average readers, and a more complex article for advanced
readers. Instead of focusing solely on reading proficiency, horizontal text sets encompass a
broader range of perspectives, supplementary content, and genres related to a central theme
or topic.

Building Background Knowledge:

In terms of background knowledge, vertical text sets aim to help students gradually increase
their reading proficiency while building subject-specific knowledge and vocabulary. Here,
students start with simpler texts and progressively move to more complex ones, leveraging
their existing schema to comprehend and connect ideas across texts. (Schoenbach, et al. 2012,
p. 141)

On the other hand, by providing diverse perspectives and supplementary content, horizontal
text sets enrich students' background knowledge on a particular theme or topic. For instance,
a horizontal text set on environmental sustainability might include scientific articles, personal
narratives, historical documents, and visual artworks to deepen students' understanding of the
complexities surrounding sustainability.

Interest and Engagement:

While vertical text sets prioritize scaffolding reading skills, they may not always sustain
students' interest, especially if the texts lack variety or novelty. On the flip side, horizontal
text sets incorporate diverse genres, perspectives, and supplementary content, stimulating
students' curiosity and engagement with the theme or topic. For instance, a horizontal text set
on human rights might include a mix of articles, speeches, documentaries, and fictional
narratives to capture students' interest and encourage deeper exploration. Horizontal text sets
are a widely used way to build interest in the key themes, background knowledge and
vocabulary. (Schoenbach, et al. 2012, p. 145).

In certain instances, one type of text set may be more beneficial than the other depending on
the instructional goals and students' needs. For instance, in a reading class where the main
focus is to improve student’s reading proficiency, a vertical text set could be more effective.
Conversely, in an advanced literature course where the goal is to hone critical thinking skills
and interdisciplinary connections, a horizontal text set might be preferable.

References

Schoenbach, R. Greenleaf, C. Murphy, L., Cziko, C. & Hurwitz, L. (2012). Reading for
understanding: How reading apprenticeship improves disciplinary learning in secondary and
college classrooms. Retrieved from eBook Central (accessed through LIRN).